Only one elite level match graced International Women’s Day in the British Isles.
Brython Thunder entertained Gwalia Lightning at Parc y Scarlets to decide final placements in the semi-finals.
Both sides had already qualified, but the main (unspoken) aim was to avoid meeting the perennial trophy winners, Wolfhounds. To do that, Brython needed to secure the maximum five points (see table below).
The game is briefly told. It was a hard, gritty encounter, Brython showing the effects of their pleasing performances since the New Year by starting at top pace.
But Gwalia’s defences held out well. Not until the 13th minute could the hosts breach the dam. Branwen Metcalfe, the No 6, finally forced her way over. (7-0)
Quite astonishingly, from there the scoreboard refused to budge right up to the final whistle.
Gwalia came under intense pressure just before the break. Jess Kavanagh showed Abbie Fleming a yellow card for a string of penalties, but the hosts couldn’t profit.
As the game neared its climax, it was Brython’s turn to suffer. They were reduced first to 14 (Jess Rogers), then 13 (Seren Singleton). Even more galling for Gwalia, they were on the line when the ball failed to stick. So the game was there to be saved, but…
Result: Brython Thunder 7 Gwalia Lightning 0
Player of the Match: Branwen Metcalfe
Consequences
Despite losing, Gwalia have qualified to play Clovers in the Galway semi. Brython, despite winning, have to face the might of the Hounds.
“Ha!” they will retort. “We’ve already beaten them!”
Yes, in the biggest upset the three-year-old tournament has known, they beat the holders 14-0 at home. But a second time?
The progress of the two Welsh sides has been as different as chalk and cheese.
Up to 1 January Brython had remained winless. Since then they’ve recorded five Ws on the trot. Conversely, this was Gwalia’s fourth loss in a row, after a highly encouraging start.
We should spare a thought for the people in charge at WRU, under such intense pressure at present.
They instituted a policy of attracting players back from the English PWR. The addition of experienced hands like Gwen Crabb, the captain, Lisa Neuman and Natalia John to Brython’s strength has allowed the younger generation to blossom.
The opening minutes of today’s game showed how far the team has developed in cohesion and pace. But the same is not true for Gwalia. Life can be like that.
Sean Lynn
Will the boss be pleased?
Not entirely. The one gaping hole in this match was that essential ingredient, points.
7-0 wins are a rarity these days. Lynn and his assistants will take a closer look at events to diagnose what still needs to be improved.
They can be well satisfied to see their two franchises, essentially West and East Wales, occupying the two places behind the all-conquering Irish. But the Welsh national team has some broken fences to mend.
Brief table after the final round of the regular season:
1. Wolfhounds 45 points
2. Clovers 39
3. Gwalia 26
4. Brython 23
5. Glasgow 17
6. Edinburgh 12
The semis will take place in Galway on 21 March:
Wolfhounds v Brython Thunder
Clovers v Gwalia Lightning (TBC)
The final comes a week later, 28 March, at the Hive, Edinburgh
