Gwalia Lightning have named the side to face Clovers in the Celtic Challenge semi-final play-offs at Dexcom Stadium, Galway, on Saturday, March 21st (KO: Midday). The Celtic Challenge semi-finals are a unique double-header in the new expanded cross-border league between sides from Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Lightning finished third in the table after the regular […]
Gwalia Lightning have named the side to face Clovers in the Celtic Challenge semi-final play-offs at Dexcom Stadium, Galway, on Saturday, March 21st (KO: Midday).
The Celtic Challenge semi-finals are a unique double-header in the new expanded cross-border league between sides from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Lightning finished third in the table after the regular season and play second-placed Clovers in the first game of the double-header at the home of Connacht rugby.
The Welsh side have been in the play-off places all through this Celtic Challenge campaign and qualified with a game to play in the regular season.
Wales international Bryonie King returns to the starting line-up to captain the side against Clovers.
The Number 8 leads a Lightning side including seven Welsh internationals in the starting line-up and with five changes, including three positional changes.
King is joined in the backrow with fellow Wales international Gwennan Hopkins and impressive flanker Anwen Owen.
Welsh international lock Alaw Pyrs partners Chiara Pearce in the Lightning engine room, while Wales duo Molly Reardon and Jenni Scoble pack down in the front row alongside Chloe Thomas-Bradley.
Nikita Prothero returns at full back, with Welsh international Catherine Richards selected on one wing, while Courtney Greenway, who is second in the leading try-scorer table with six tries, is on the other wing.
Centre Kelsie Webster has a new midfield partner with Isla McMullen named at inside centre.
Wales scrum-half Sian Jones partners fly half Carys Hughes at half-back for an exciting and young Gwalia Lightning side.
The Celtic Challenge final will be played at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh on Saturday, March 28th (KO: 3pm).
Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin, Gwalia Lightning Head coach, said: “We targeted a semi-final place at the start of the campaign and we have achieved that. Our focus is now on enjoying the occasion and showcasing Gwalia Lightning’s brand of rugby.
“The break has allowed us to reset and focus on our identity, what we do well and what gave us such a good platform for the Celtic Challenge.
“We know what to expect from Clovers and the games between the two sides are always close and we know a place in the final is at stake.
“These are one-off games and we are still a young side but one full of experience of Celtic Challenge rugby.”
Gwalia Lightning team (v Clovers)
15 Nikita Prothero, 14 Courtney Greenway, 13 Kelsie Webster, 12 Isla McMullen, 11 Catherine Richards, 10 Carys Hughes, 9 Sian Jones; 1 Chloe Thomas-Bradley, 2 Molly Reardon, 3 Jenni Scoble, 4 Alaw Pyrs, 5 Chiara Pearce, 6 Gwennan Hopkins, 7 Anwen Owen, 8 Bryonie King (captain).
Replacements: 16 Ffion Korsak, 17 Crystal James, 18 Cerys Cuming, 19 Abbie Fleming, 20 Lily Terry, 21 Lily Hawkins, 22 Molly Anderson-Thomas, 23 Caitlin Lewis