Gwalia Lightning took the spoils and the bragging rights in a compelling and entertaining first Welsh derby of the new expanded Celtic Challenge at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Lightning racked up a bonus point win in the first half to record their first win of the league campaign in the Welsh capital.
Centre Kelsie Webster crossed for a brace of tries, with Wales lock Alaw Pyrs, wing Nia Fajeyisan, hooker Molly Reardon and skipper Bryonie King also touching down.
Centre Gabby Healen scored Brython’s lone try, but the away side played a full part in a typically full-blooded all-Welsh encounter.
Lightning did the double over their Welsh rivals last season and finished a place above Thunder in the Celtic Challenge table.
Wales back-rower and Gwalia Lightning captain Bryonie King led from the front in trademark fashion and enjoyed a rare old duel with fellow Wales international Natalia John, while young half-backs Seren Lockwood and Ffion Williams (pictured), both teenagers, impressed for the Thunder.
Brython started brightly but it was Gwalia that opened the scoring with centre Webster crashing over in the corner to make it 5-0 after four minutes.
Fly-half Hughes missed the conversion but Lightning were ahead against the run of the play. Webster soon crossed for her and Gwalia’s second try after Lightning piled on the pressure and were camped on Brython’s line. Hughes missed the conversion before centre Healen took advantage of a mix-up in Gwalia’s defence to race in from 40 metres to make it 10-5. Fly-half Williams added the conversion to close the gap to three points.
Wales lock Pyrs then extended Gwalia’s lead after barging over from short-range and Hughes added the extras to make it 17-7 midway through the first half.
GB Sevens flyer Fajeyisan then crossed for Gwalia’s bonus-point try after she raced in from halfway. Hughes added the conversion to make it 24-7 at half-time.
After the break, it was nip and tuck with neither side giving an inch before a superb break by Fajeyisan led to Wales hooker Reardon grabbing Gwalia’s fifth try. Hughes added the conversion before captain King crossed for Gwalia’s sixth try to seal the victory.