Brython Thunder bowed out of this year’s Celtic Challenge, going down 36-10 to tournament favourites Wolfhounds in their semi-final at the Dexcom Stadium, Galway.
Wolfhounds have dominated the Celtic Challenge since the league’s inception and this was always going to be a major challenge for the rejuvenated Thunder.
The game saw flanker Alisha Joyce return to rugby 123 days after the birth of her son Ralphie. ‘Butch’ came on as a 51st minute replacement to join her partner Jasmine Joyce in making their Thunder and Celtic Challenge debuts.
Thunder came into this match as the only side to have beaten the reigning and back-to-back champions.
And after five wins on the bounce, the Welsh side had real momentum and confidence in their favour.
But a blistering opening quarter by the Irish side saw them cross for three tries to establish a 17-0 lead.
Wales international back-rower Branwen Metcalfe and impressive No. 8 Jorja Aiono did cross for late tries for Brython, but it was the champions’ day.
Wolfhounds got off to a flyer when lock Naoise Smyth crashed over from short-range in the third minute. Full-back Stacey Flood crossed for a second, then scored her second and Wolfhounds’ third as the Irish side took a firm grip on the contest.
Centre Hannah Bluck was an early replacement for the injured Savannah Picton-Powell and soon made a break half the length of the field for Brython, who finally got a foothold in the game with some territory and possession.
However, it was Wolfhounds who extended their advantage through centre Eve Higgins and when wing Vicky Elmes Kinlan crossed for a breakaway try, it was 31-0 at half-time.
After the break, it was a more even affair. Wolfhounds added a sixth try by wing Robyn Connor, but Metcalfe did cross for Brython’s opening points, showing good strength to drive over from close range in the dying moments before Aiono powered over from the base of an attacking scrum for another.
Wolfounds will take on Irish rivals Clovers – who beat Gwalia Lightning 35-20 – in the competition final.