Edinburgh secure dramatic win in Wales

• 28 Jan 2024
• News

Edinburgh continued their impressive form in the Celtic Challenge, making it three wins from four after a dramatic 20-19 win away against Gwalia Lightning.

The visitors controlled large parts of the game, leading on the scoreboard before a quick double saw the Lightning take a late lead. With the clock ticking towards the red, Panashe Muzambe was able to cross the whitewash to seal the win and secure a bonus point.

The win puts Edinburgh’s fate in their own hands, knowing a win next week against the Clovers at Hive Stadium will secure a top three spot.

Edinburgh weathered an early storm from the home side, before taking control of proceedings. Millie Whitehouse dotted down for the first score of the match, finishing off the back of a dominant driving maul.

The capital club continued to put their foot on the gas, twice coming close to scoring through Cieron Bell and Lisa Thomson. The pressure finally told, with Bell crossing after a looping pass from Emma Orr put the winger into space. Bell, a product of Cumnock RFC, scored her fourth try in as many matches to give a commanding lead.

The home side hit back quickly though, with scrum-half Sian Jones scoring from close range. The score was a short break in the Edinburgh dominance, with Poppy Fletcher responding on the stroke of half time to increase the advantage.

The start of the second-half saw the match become all the more cagey, with either side putting in huge shots but unable to break through. The hosts eventually scored the first points of the second half, with Lewis crossing the line for her second score.

Gwalia then struck immediately again to put themselves in the lead with 10 minutes left, the right winger breaking clear for a long range try.

Edinburgh didn’t panic, however, and despite mounting pressure managed to clinch a last minute win through prop Muzambe. With the ball on the line, the Scotland cap spotted a gap in the defence, dotting down to secure a dramatic win for Edinburgh.