This was the game unbeaten Wolfhounds needed to ensure the trophy. It turned into a humdinger.
Edinburgh put up two testing kicks at the start, but it was Wolfhounds who scored the first try. The ball flicked out to Ellen Boylan on the left with good control. 0-5

But Edinburgh had Emma Orr on their side. She sudddenly burst through midfield, offered a swerve and a hand-off and was over, her fourth try of the campaign. 5-5

Wolfhounds were more efficient at this stage, the line-outs straighter, players running hard on to passes from the base of the ruck, unlike their opponents.

As the game developed, they added safe and telling off-loads to their repertoire, nothing showy, simply what the opposition didn’t want them to achieve. But after a long period on top, they found themsleves defending madly. Briar McNamara fed Cieron Bell, who was stopped just short on the left. But the referee had spotted an off-side, so Edinburgh had a free hand. The ball whipped into the centre, where, you may not be surprised to hear, it was Orr who snapped the line in two to run in under the posts. 12-5

Two minutes before the break Wolfhounds got the reward they deserved. A scrum near the hosts’ line caved in. Grace Moore tapped but was just held out. Instead, Christy Haney was there to finish the job.

Half-time 12-12

Another entertainingly close game; the second spell promised even better. Edinburgh scored a wonderful try. The pack worked hard in midfield, then the backs manufactured space cleverly – a double mis-pass, then a loop – leaving Bell enough room to canter over for her fifth of the campaign. McNamara fed her a beautiful pass. 19-12

Time for Alcorn to introduce Linda Djougang to rectify matters. Wolfhounds built methodically again, but as they drove over the line, the call once more was ‘held up!’

The next moment, there was Orr popping an overhead pass into Bell’s hands but she couldn’t quite make the line. No matter, they now copied Wolfhounds’ model of ball retention, hammering at the line for Alex Stewart to get the vital touchdown. That was the bonus point, if not conclusive victory. 26-12

On 70 minutes Wolfhounds opted for a scrum at a penalty a distance out. It took them a long time to make this superiority tell. Only four minutes were left when Linda Djougang forced her way over to give her team their first score since the break. Nikki Caughey hurried her kick, but didn’t muff it. 26-19.

Three minutes on the clock.

Edinburgh hadn’t sealed the deal; Wolfhounds weren’t the unbeaten side by chance. They attacked decisively as the clock turned red, and Katie Corrigan was allowed to run in under the posts for an easy conversion.

Result: 26-26 (that score again!)

This late riposte undid Edinburgh’s chances of overtaking the leaders. Where had that 14-point lead gone?

Teams:

Edinburgh Rugby
15. Nicole Marlow (Cardiff Met), 14. Nicole Flynn (University of Edinburgh), 13. Emma Orr (Heriot’s/ Biggar), 12. Briar McNamara (Watsonian), 11. Cieron Bell (University of Edinburgh), 10. Sarah Denholm (captain, University of Edinburgh), 9. Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning), 1. Panashe Muzambe (Exeter Chiefs), 2. Millie Whitehouse (University of Edinburgh), 3. Katie Lindsay (Corstorphine Cougars), 4. Fiona McIntosh (Saracens), 5. Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars),
6. Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars), 7. Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars), 8. Freya Walker (Watsonian)

Bench:
16. Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh), 17. Poppy Fletcher (University of Edinburgh), 18. Molly Poolman (Watsonian), 19. Nathasha Logan (University of Edinburgh), 20. Gemma Bell (Hartpury University), 21. Zoe Turner (Corstorphine Cougars), 22. Hannah Ramsay (Corstorphine Cougars), 23. Rhona Lloyd (GB Sevens)

Wolfhounds
15. Ava Ryder (Connacht), 14. Katie Corrigan (Leinster), 13. Leah Tarpey (Leinster), 12. Katie Heffernan (Leinster), 11. Ellen Boylan (Munster), 10. Nikki Caughey (Leinster), 9. Jade Gaffney (Leinster), 1. Aoife Moore (Leinster), 2. Meabh Clenaghan (Ulster), 3. Christy Haney (Leinster), 4. Eimear Corri (Leinster), 5. Hannah O’Connor (Leinster), 6. Claire Boles (Ulster), 7. Molly Boyne (captain, Leinster), 8. Grace Moore (Saracens)

Bench:
16. India Daley (Ulster), 17. Linda Djougang (Leinster), 18. Sophie Barrett (Ulster), 19. Fiona Tuite (Ulster), 20. Keelin Brady (Ulster), 21. Katie Whelan (Leinster), 22. Abby Moyles (Ulster), 23. Kelly McCormill (Ulster)

Officials:
Referee: David Young
ARs: Calum Lazenby and David Changleng with thanks to rugbyreferee.net

The Table                                                W    D    L    Pts

Wolfhounds                                            5     1      0      27
Edinburgh Rugby                                  4      1     1      23
Clovers                                                     3      0     2      14
Gwalia Lightning                                   2      0     3      12
Brython Thunder                                   1      0     4        6
Glasgow Warriors                                  0     0     5        0

The game in Edinburgh brings the top two sides together. Unbeaten Wolfhounds have to travel to take on second-placed Edinburgh Rugby.

This is the opening round of the playoffs, so final outcomes wait till later, but the contest presents a chance for both sides to stake a first claim on the trophy.

Inevitably the head coaches are pulling out all the stops. One stop Scottish fans may not have realised their organ possesses is Rhona Lloyd (pictured above), who is suddenly produced out of the magician’s hat, or perhaps smuggled out of GB 7s den (that’s three metaphors jammed together!). If she is allowed off the bench, she will make her debut for her native city. But only if! As Lloyd appears, so Lisa Thomson disappears. They’ll miss her kicking skills.

Claire Cruikshank’s side saw off the other Irish side, Clovers, with a bonus point, but this will be a different test. Wolfhounds’ 5 out of 5 points to a teaky unit that is hard to break down and keep down. Cruikshank has made minimal changes: Briar McNamara is restored to inside-centre; Fi McIntosh strengthens the pack as she returns to the second row. The one other prospective debutant alongside Lloyd is Zoe Turner at scrum-half.

Neill Alcorn, head coach of the Wolfhounds, has made four changes: Christy Haney comes in at tight-head, and the Saracen, Grace Moore, wears No 8. Out behind Ellen Boylan starts on the left wing and Leah Tarpey at No 13.

One slight difference in approach is seen in the clubs the players hail from. The hosts offer three from PWR clubs, the visitors only one. But that is the whole point of the enterprise: the emphasis is laid strongly on home-grown talent. The elite squad can look after itself for the present.

The capital side lie a whole four points behind their opponents, so are under no illusions about the task they are taking on. But they have had sufficient success in recent weeks to feel really buoyed.

A brief reminder: the six teams have divided into two pools, based on earlier results. Edinburgh find themsleves taking on both the Irish sides in Pool A.

Teams:
Edinburgh Rugby
15. Nicole Marlow (Cardiff Met), 14. Nicole Flynn (University of Edinburgh), 13. Emma Orr (Heriot’s/ Biggar), 12. Briar McNamara (Watsonian), 11. Cieron Bell (University of Edinburgh), 10. Sarah Denholm (captain, University of Edinburgh), 9. Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning), 1. Panashe Muzambe (Exeter Chiefs), 2. Millie Whitehouse (University of Edinburgh), 3. Katie Lindsay (Corstorphine Cougars), 4. Fiona McIntosh (Saracens), 5. Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars),
6. Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars), 7. Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars), 8. Freya Walker (Watsonian)

Bench:
16. Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh), 17. Poppy Fletcher (University of Edinburgh), 18. Molly Poolman (Watsonian), 19. Nathasha Logan (University of Edinburgh), 20. Gemma Bell (Hartpury University), 21. Zoe Turner (Corstorphine Cougars), 22. Hannah Ramsay (Corstorphine Cougars), 23. Rhona Lloyd (GB Sevens)

Wolfhounds
15. Ava Ryder (Connacht), 14. Katie Corrigan (Leinster), 13. Leah Tarpey (Leinster), 12. Katie Heffernan (Leinster), 11. Ellen Boylan (Munster), 10. Nikki Caughey (Leinster), 9. Jade Gaffney (Leinster), 1. Aoife Moore (Leinster), 2. Meabh Clenaghan (Ulster), 3. Christy Haney (Leinster), 4. Eimear Corri (Leinster), 5. Hannah O’Connor (Leinster), 6. Claire Boles (Ulster), 7. Molly Boyne (captain, Leinster), 8. Grace Moore (Saracens)

Bench:
16. India Daley (Ulster), 17. Linda Djougang (Leinster), 18. Sophie Barrett (Ulster), 19. Fiona Tuite (Ulster), 20. Keelin Brady (Ulster), 21. Katie Whelan (Leinster), 22. Abby Moyles (Ulster), 23. Kelly McCormill (Ulster)

Officials:
Referee: David Young
ARs: Calum Lazenby and David Changleng with thanks to rugbyreferee.net

The other game taking place the same day is Glasgow Warriors v Brython Thunder at Scotstoun, Glasgow.

As usual, the games will be transmitted live and free by rugbypass.tv

Kingspan, Belfast

For the less inexperienced visitors this was invaluable game-time, one of the main reasons for the introduction of the Challenge. Their advantage lay in the back-row pairing of Alex Callender (skipper) and Sioned Harries, 110 caps between them.

But Wolfhounds took profit from the presence of Grace Moore, Brittany Hogan and Hannah O’Connor, up front, with Nikki Caughey steering the ship from the bridge.

The Hounds had the use of the wind in the first half. Caughey made good use of it with artfully placed kicks. Hounds produced a lovely move with well-timed off-loads; Thunder hung on well in defence, so Aoife Dalton had two bites at the cherry as she stretched for the line in a tackle. The Laws do not allow such generosity.

It’s unusual to see a cross-kick attempted by a side that’s in its own 22, but Brython did precisely that. They nearly paid for the indiscretion, but the referee decreed ‘knock-on’ as the quartered shirts drove to the line.

As the first 15 minutes passed, he had a long earnest chat with the two skippers (both flankers, as if that tells its own story) about how he wants to see the game played; so scrappy had it been.

Brittany Hogan, an Ulster girl herself, had the first try; the Hounds’ scrum came under some pressure, but it wheeled clockwise to give her space; she used it to make an unstoppable run to the line. Caughey converted. 7-0

One upshot was a potentially serious head injury to Niamh Terry. The medical services were prompt and careful. Mollie Wilkinson was the replacement.

Once play restarted Thunder at last put a worthy move together; the ball melted from hand to hand. They got their reward; In a rare visit to the Hounds’ 22, Chloe Thomas-Bradley was in possession as they drove over the line. 7-5

To the dismay of Thunder’s coaching staff, the hosts were allowed to counter at once, Sarah Delaney finishing a series of thrusts to the line. 12-5

Just on half-time Wolfhounds gained an advantage, but Caughey didn’t need it. She popped a cross-kick into the arms of Katie Corrigan, and she had the beating of the defence on the outside.

This double blow revealed the relative qualities of the two sides.

Half-time: 17-5

The bad news for Thunder continued. It looked like a knock-on as the Hounds developed another raid, but no, AR and referee agreed it wasn’t. Corrigan sailed over the line all alone. That was the vital bonus point. 22-5

When Thunder offended at a breakdown, Harries didn’t help the cause by questioning the ref’s decision, an all too frequent fault. Result: another 10 metres conceded.

It was all Hounds now. Thunder did well to win a turnover in deep defence, but a short relieving kick handed over possession all too easily. Corrigan was on the end of another move to complete her hat-trick on the far right. 29-5, conversion via the crossbar.

A second worrying stoppage on 55 minutes. This time it was Finley Jones, the doctor examining her state of health at ground level. The buggy was called into action a second time, but at least Jones was sitting up, propping on her arms.

On the restart Callender thought she was straight through under the posts, but no, ‘forward pass!’ This was another break initiated by Seren Singleton from the base of a breakdown.

Then – can you believe it? – the buggy was needed for a third time. This was the sort of hat-trick nobody wants to see. The medical outcomes are still to be verified, but the third, to Madi Johns the replacement prop was a lower-leg injury. Back on the field it meant yet another long delay as the night grew colder and darker.

Hounds were fully in charge now. Caughey went for a change of plan, a cross-kick to the left, where Niamh Marley wove her way in and out to cross. 36-5

Now Thunder put together one of their best moves, a chip over the top then a series of delicate off-loads and drives nearly brought a try, but the right touch-line undid the good work.

There was yet another injury, but this time, fortunately, Erin McConnell was able to walk off the field.

Another fine attack by Brython, only this time the left touch-line stepped in to hinder them.

Now came perhaps the best try of the night. Hannah O’Connor made another huge break. As the last defender approached, she fed Corrigan who sped in for her fourth. 41-5

Brython responded with another fine move. Harries exploded over the last few metres to cross unopposed. 41-10

The buggy hadn’t finished its night’s work, It ferried Mollie Wilkinson off with another leg injury. A curious moment followed: as Wolfhounds looked to be cantering over for another try on the right, the referee blew up for an injury on the other side of the field. For once, it looked a deal less serious. But the officialsd must have been concerned by this unwonted series of potentially serious injuries. Safety first.

Final score: Wolfhounds 41 Brython Thunder 10
Player of the Match: Katie Corrigan

Verdict

All those injuries prevented this from being an enjoyable game. We can only wish all the sufferers a speedy return to full fitness.

For all the criticism from Irish voices about shortcomings, you could see the advantages both the AIL and the Interpros give their players. Wolfhounds now bestride the table with four straight wins.

Teams:

Wolfhounds: 15 Ava Ryder, 14 Katie Corrigan, 13 Leah Tarpey, 12 Aoife Dalton, 11 Niamh Marley, 10 Nikki Caughey, 9 Erin McConnell, 1 Aoife Moore, 2 Sarah Delaney, 3 Sophie Barrett, 4 Eimear Corri, 5 Hannah O’Connor, 6 Grace Moore, 7 Molly Boyne (captain), 8 Brittany Hogan

Bench: 16 Meabh Clenaghan, 17 Megan Collis, 18 Christy Haney, 19 Claire Boles, 20 Ellen Boylan, 21 Jade Gaffney, 22 Abby Moyles, 23 Kelly McCormill

Brython Thunder: 15 Lowri Williams, 14 Eleanor Hing, 13 Ellie Tromans, 12 Meg Webb, 11 Amy Williams, 10 Niamh Terry, 9 Seren Singleton; 1 Chloe Thomas-Bradley, 2 Rosie Carr, 3 Cadi Lois Davies, 4 Natalia John, 5 Shona Wakley, 6 Finley Jones, 7 Alex Callender (captain), 8 Sioned Harries.

Bench: 16 Amy Morgan, 17 Madi Johns, 18 Katie Carr, 19 Charlie Mundy, 20 Katie Mackay, 21 Katie Bevans, 22 Mollie Wilkinson, 23 Sian Davies