Celtic Challenge 2024/25: Round 7 Review

Brython Thunder 38 – 32 Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh Rugby suffered a heartbreaking 38-32 defeat to Brython Thunder in a thrilling Round 7 clash of the Celtic Challenge at Parc y Scarlets. Despite showing resilience and scoring five tries, the Scottish side was undone by a dramatic late double from Wales centre Hannah Bluck.

Edinburgh started brightly, with wing Hannah Walker—who continues to impress as the league’s top try-scorer—crossing early in the corner. Their pack showed dominance, as prop Hannah McMahon powered over, and Lucia Scott added another try before halftime, keeping them in the contest. Fly-half Hannah Macrae’s reliable kicking ensured the visitors remained in contention throughout.

After the break, Edinburgh regained control through a Macrae penalty and two well-executed tries from replacement wing Amy Conchie and number eight Merryn Gunderson, putting them ahead 32-26. However, defensive lapses late in the game proved costly.

Bluck’s decisive brace in the dying minutes left Edinburgh stunned, denying them the victory.

Clovers 41 – 19 Glasgow Warriors

Glasgow Warriors fought hard but fell short in a 41-19 defeat to Clovers in Round 7 of the Celtic Challenge in Cork. Despite a promising start, defensive lapses and Clovers’ relentless attack left the Scottish side unable to overturn the deficit.

The Warriors began well, gaining an early penalty, but a knock-on halted their momentum. Clovers capitalised on turnover ball, with Anna McGann opening the scoring. Amee Leigh Costigan quickly followed with a second try, putting Glasgow under pressure. The visitors suffered a blow when Sky Phimister was forced off injured, disrupting their defensive structure.

Despite Clovers’ aggressive kicking strategy, Glasgow remained competitive. McNamara’s kicking gained territory, and a determined defensive effort held up a Clovers try attempt. However, Emily Lane broke through before halftime, extending the hosts’ lead.

Glasgow found their rhythm just before the break, with Roma Fraser finishing off a well-worked overlap for their first try. In the second half, Holland Bogan powered over the line for their second, and Briar McNamara’s late solo effort added a third. However, Clovers’ clinical finishing, particularly from Costigan, sealed their victory.

Reflecting on the match, Glasgow Warriors’ head coach Lindsey Smith, said:

“We did not show our best game in the first half, the wind was against us and we just did not have much possession. However, in the second half we really turned it around. Scoring just before half time gave us a push and shifted the mindset of the squad.

“We definitely performed really well in that second half in our set piece, scrum and lineouts provided us a solid platform to attack, this was one of our really positives from today. Out of our work ons from today the key one is probably build those phases and turn this type of performance into an 80 minutes one, which is something we need to fix for next week’s fixture.”

Postponement of Round 5 Fixture, Glasgow Warriors vs Clovers

Following the postponement of the Round 5 fixture between Glasgow Warriors and the Clovers, originally scheduled for Saturday 25 January 2025, a meeting of the Organising Committee was held to determine the appropriate action.

After reviewing all relevant facts, the Organising Committee reached the following decision:

Due to severe weather, neither team was deemed responsible for the postponement. Upon review of the available reserve weekends and current fixture schedule, the committee concluded there was insufficient space to re-arrange the fixture. As a result, the match will be recorded as a 0-0 draw, with both teams awarded 2 League points.