Thunder beaten in seven-try thriller

Rob Lloyd News

Brython Thunder and Edinburgh delivered a seven-try thriller at Parc y Scarlets with the Scottish visitors emerging 22-17 winners in front of more than 700 fans.

The match was a great advert for the Celtic Challenge competition with both teams producing some fantastic moments.

On her home patch, skipper Alex Callender led from the front, making breaks for two of the Thunder’s three first-half tries, while lock Shona Wakeley, centre Ellie Tromans and experienced international No. 8 Sioned Harries also stood out.

But it was Edinburgh who turned the screw after half-time, scoring the only tries of the second half

On a crisp afternoon in Llanelli, it was the Thunder – searching for their first victory of the campaign – who started the brighter, with Callender producing the break that set up the game’s opening try on 14 minutes.

The openside sliced through the midfield before drawing the final defender and feeding second row Wakeley on her outside for a free run to the posts.

It was the Wales international at the heart of the Thunder’s second try as well, picking up a loose pass racing upfield, before kicking through for Tromans to win the race to the touchdown. Left wing Amy Williams converted from straight in front.

Edinburgh’s response was swift with prop Panashe Muzambe crossing from close range, converted by full-back Nicole Marlow, then scrum-half Caity Mattinson darted over from a quick tap penalty to make it 12-12.

However, it was the home side who had the final say of the half when wing Amy Williams found space in the corner to dive over after more strong work from Wakeley.

It was Edinburgh who were first on the scoreboard in the second half, punishing home ill-discipline with a score from No. 8 Freya Walker.

Sioned Harries went close for the Thunder following a powerful surge from the base of an attacking scrum, but it was Edinburgh who took the lead for the first time through a fine individual effort from wing Ceiron Bell.

And that proved enough to secure the spoils in front of an enthusiastic crowd packed with young girls from local clubs and girls hubs, who showed off their skills during the half-time interval.

Thunder – tries: S. Wakeley, E. Tromans, A. Williams. Con: Williams

Edinburgh – tries: P. Muzambe, C. Mattinson, F. Walker, C. Bell. Con: N. Marlow.