Yahoo Sports Lightning beat Thunder in Celtic Challenge derby
Celtic Challenge
Gwalia Lightning (21) 42
Tries: P Jones, Richards, M Davies, Hughes, Terry, Lewis Cons: Hughes 6
Brython Thunder (5) 22
Tries: Gant, Gill, John, Hing Con: Tromans
Gwalia Lightning took derby bragging rights in a six-try 42-22 victory over Brython Thunder in an entertaining Celtic Challenge opener at Ystrad Mynach.
Carys Hughes gave a fly-half masterclass, crossing for a try and kicking six conversions in a 17-point haul, while Sian Jones pulled the strings at scrum-half.
Fourteen senior Wales internationals had been on show, with the hosts boasting the majority.
Chloe Gant and Page Jones had exchanged opening tries from driving mauls, before Lightning took control.
Wales wing Catherine Richards scored from an interception, before Wales prop Maisie Davies went over before the break.
Lily Terry extended their lead with another close-range effort before Thunder hit back with three quicks scores from Lily Terry, Wales lock Natalia John and Eleanor Hing.
But Lightning halted the comeback with Caitlin Lewis' late effort.
More to follow.
Gwalia Lightning: Courtney Greenway; Carys Williams-Morris, Kelsie Webster, Molly Anderson-Thomas, Catherine Richards; Carys Hughes, Sian Jones; Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon, Danyelle Dinapoli, Lily Terry, Alaw Pyrs, Bryonie King, Paige Jones, Gwennan Hopkins (capt).
Replacements: Molly Wakley, Dali Hopkins, Jenni Scoble, Erin Jones, Katherine Baverstock, Katie Bevans, Lowri Davies, Caitlin Lewis.
Brython Thunder: Rhiannon Griffin; Ellie Tromans, Meg Webb, Savannah Picton-Powell, Eleanor Hing; Niamh Terry, Seren Singleton; Katie Carr, Chloe Grant, Cadi-Lois Davies, Gwen Crabb, Natalia John (capt), Robyn Davies, Lucy Issac, Jessica Rogers.
Replacements: Evie Gill, Lowri Williams, Meg Lewis, Kira Philpott, Danai Mugabe, Anna Stowell, Bethan Adkins, Hannah Lane.
