Lightning ease to Welsh derby victory over Thunder

Celtic Challenge round two

Gwalia Lightning (24) 38

Tries: Webster 2, Pyrs, Fajeyisan, Reardon, King Cons: Hughes 4

Brython Thunder (7) 7

Trry: Healen Con: Williams

Gwalia Lightning claimed Celtic Challenge derby bragging rights with a six-try victory over Brython Thunder at Cardiff Arms Park.

A Kelsey Webster double and tries from Alaw Pyrs and GB sevens player Nia Fajeyisan wrapped up the bonus-point inside 30 minutes, while Gabby Healen's solo effort kept the visitors in touch.

Molly Reardon and Bryonie King added to Lightning's haul in a tighter second half, with the festive occasion only marred by two serious-looking injuries.

Lightning travel to Glasgow Warriors in round three having claimed their first win of the season, while winless Thunder host Clovers.

Lightning, which featured seven of 12 Wales internationals on show, took the lead against the run of play, with centre Webster combining well with wing Fajeyisan.

A handling error gifted Lightning the chance to double their lead, the forwards showing patience before releasing the ball out for Webster to run in her second.

Thunder hit back when a Ffion Williams box kick caused confusion among the backline, with centre Healen the quickest to pounce on the loose ball before showing a good turn of pace.

Wales lock Pyrs impressed all afternoon with her powerful carrying and was over for Lightning's third not long after being held up.

A moment of magic from Fajeyisan secured the try bonus-point on the half hour mark, the flying wing dancing around defenders on her way to a spectacular solo effort.

But Fajeyisan's afternoon came to a premature end early in the second-half when she injured her ankle in a heavy landing under a high ball.

The lengthy stoppage sucked the momentum out of the game, with both sides struggling to put phases together.

But it came roaring back to life when GB Sevens player Courtney Greenway made a blistering break down the wing after being released by Webster.

She was brought down a metre short by Seren Singleton, but quick ball gave Wales hooker Reardon the opportunity to crash over from close range.

Another lengthy stoppage saw Wales wing Amelia Tutt follow Fajeyisan down the tunnel on a stretcher.

Lightning skipper King added her name to the scoresheet in the final 10 minutes, picking up the ball from the base of the ruck and sniping over.

A crowd of 650 were at the Arms Park to see the next generation of Welsh talent, with current internationals Maisie Davies and Reardon among those to impress.

Gwalia Lightning: Richards; Greenway, Webster, Anderson-Thomas, Fajeyisan; Hughes, S Jones; Davies, Reardon, Hill, Pyrs, Vucaj, E Jones, Stewart, King (capt)

Replacements: Wakely, Thomas-Bradley, Waugh, Pearce, Terry, Owen, Bevans, Prothero.

Brython Thunder: A Williams; Tutt, Tromans, Healen, Singleton; F Williams, Lockwood; Orrin, S Williams, E Jones, R Davies, John, F Jones, Rogers (capt), Metcalfe

Replacements: Morgan, M Lewis, Watkins, Bowen, Kovachev, F Lewis, F Davies, Marshall.

Referee: Amber Stamp