Clovers sweep aside Gwalia in Celtic Challenge

Clovers: (17) 29

Tries: Lane 2, McInerney, Clarke, Barrett Cons: Fowley, Finn

Gwalia: (0) 7

With a bonus-point victory over Gwalia Lightning at Kingspan Stadium, Clovers captured second consecutive victories in the Celtic Challenge.

With the opening try coming from Nicole Fowley, Denis Fogarty’s side got off to a strong start in Belfast.

Anna McGann, playing her first 15-a-side game in two years after injury, launched a swift counter-attack, and fed Alanna McInerney, who crossed for their second try soon after.

Clovers continued to dominate and scored their third try of the half with the assist of Fowley’s unable to add the extras.

After the break, Gwalia’s situation significantly improved, and Molly Reardon’s side gained their first try just after the restart due to patient build-up play.

Paris Hughes’ flawless conversion reduced the deficit even further.

As Lane dotted down once more, Clovers quickly won the bonus point.

After some strong work from the maul, Sophie Barrett’s replacement scored their fifth try and the team came away with a win.

Clovers: Deely, McInerney, McGann, Breen, Clarke, Fowley, Lane, McCarthy, Buttimer, McGrath, Campbell, Neill, McMahon, Nic a Bháird, Kiripati.

Replacements: Gavin, Burke, Barrett, Oviawe, Adams, Moran, Finn, Costigan.

Gwalia Lightning: Greenway, Lewis, Williams-Morris, Anderson-Thomas, Davies, Hughes, Bevans, Davies, Reardon, Scoble, Terry, Pyrs, Baverstock, P Jones, Hopkins.