A thrilling Celtic Challenge encounter unfolded as Gwalia Lightning emerged victorious with a bonus-point win over Edinburgh, solidifying their impressive form in the tournament.
The match, a showcase of wingers' prowess, began with Ceiron Bell's try for Edinburgh, quickly followed by Lightning's Courtney Greenway and Caitlin Lewis crossing the line. Aila Ronald, the Edinburgh hooker, put the hosts ahead, but Alaw Pyrs' strike just before halftime kept the game tightly contested.
But here's where it gets controversial...
After the break, Lightning dominated, with Molly Reardon, the player of the match, scoring an opportunistic try. Edinburgh fought back through Hannah Ramsay's solo effort, but it was Lightning's local hero, Lily Hawkins, who had the final say, diving over in the dying moments to seal the victory.
With this win, Lightning leapfrogged Wolfhounds to the top of the table, setting up a mouth-watering clash against reigning champions Brython Thunder on Sunday.
The game's early stages saw Lightning's intent, with Evie Hill narrowly missing the opening score. Edinburgh then took control, utilizing a driving line-out to set up Bell's try.
Lightning responded with Greenway's try, a result of forward dominance. Full-back Nikita Prothero and Lewis were a constant threat, combining beautifully for Lightning's second.
Reardon's opportunism and Prothero's sweeping pass fed Lewis for another try. Despite Edinburgh's powerful maul and Ronald's breakaway try, Lightning's Anwen Owen made a superb break, leading to a yellow card for Nicole Marlow.
Pyrs' route-one strike on the stroke of halftime kept Lightning in the lead.
And this is the part most people miss...
After the break, Lightning's forward pressure, led by the Welsh duo Reardon and Maisie Davies, continued to dominate. Davies thought she had scored, but without TMO, the try was waved off. Replays showed she was inches short.
Edinburgh's line-out struggles proved costly as Reardon capitalized on an overthrow to score the bonus-point try. Edinburgh's early bench substitutions paid off with Ramsay's individual skill on display as she glided over untouched.
In a tense finish, Lightning's replacement scrum-half Hawkins sniped from the breakdown to cross the line, securing the win.
So, what do you think? Was Lightning's victory a result of their dominant forward play, or did Edinburgh's mistakes cost them the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
