Lightning edge Warriors with last-gasp try

Celtic Challenge Cup

Gwalia Lightning (31)

Tries: Parry, Pyrs, Greenway 2, King, Cons: Hughes 3

Glasgow Warriors (26)

In the Celtic Challenge, Gwalia Lightning fought back in the second half and scored a try in the 80th minute to defeat winless Glasgow Warriors.

The Welsh side were favourites, having won two of their first three matches, while the Warriors remain at the bottom of the table.

After an ankle injury in round two, Wales flanker Bryonie King made a second-round return to lead Gwalia.

When Rhodd Parry scored the opening try just two minutes into the match, the home team quickly took control. Carys Hughes, who had already amassed 22 points in the first three rounds, added the conversion.

Briar McNamara broke through the posts to convert, but Glasgow did not.

Gemma Bell followed the same path, breaking through Gwalia’s defence in the 28th minute and McNamara added the conversion.

Glasgow’s third try came a minute later, with full-back Sky Phimister taking control of a high kick.

After McNamara’s conversion, she ran almost the entire length of the pitch for a magnificent solo try to take the Warriors’ 12 points lead at the break.

Alaw Pyrs scored Gwalia’s second try from a close-range line-out to bring the score to 12-19 after 54 minutes.

Warriors hit back instantly to secure a crucial bonus point through McNamara, who also converted, as the visitors led 26-12.

However, that victory was not enough. Courtney Greenway snuck the ball over the ruck to score Gwalia’s third try with great awareness close to the try line.

Two minutes later Greenway’s pace in open space allowed her to glide over to bring Lightning back to 24-26 after Hughes ‘ conversion.

As the clock ticked down, Gwalia needed one last push to win, and captain King seized the opportunity with a pick-and-go from a ruck to force through the weary Warriors’ defense as the game progressed.

Hughes stepped up and nailed the conversion, putting Gwalia five points ahead to complete the comeback.

Bryonie King, the Gwalia Lightning captain, said:

We made it really difficult for ourselves in the first half, but we all persevered, and as a team, we won. It was a truly special experience to be a part of.

“]The win came from] a change in our mindset, more direct running and being ourselves in attack.

Replacements: Molly Wakely, Dali Hopkins, Cana Williams, Erin Jones, Lottie Buffery-Latham, Seren Lockwood, Anwen Owen, Lowri Davies.

Glasgow Warriors: Sky Phimister, Abi Evans, Orla Proctor, Brair McNamara, Grace Deane, Ceithdh Ainsworth, Mairi Mcdonald (capt), Lisa Cockburn, Aicha Sutcliffe, Katie Lindsay, Holland Bogan, Aisha Zameer, Erinn Foley, Gemma Bell, Emily Coubrough.