Brython Thunder 17-36 Glasgow Warriors

20.12.25 - Brython Thunder v Glasgow Warriors, Celtic Challenge - Glasgow Warriors run out at the start of the match

It was a close contest in the first-half, which saw both sides head into the tunnel 12-12, however, Glasgow Warriors were able to pull away in the second-half to seal a bonus point win.

Match report

The hosts came firing out the blocks, immediately putting pressure on the Glasgow defence.

After six minutes, Brython Thunder were able to get the first points on the board as Ellie Tromans crashed under the posts to score, with Hanna Marshall adding the extras (7-0).

Glasgow showed a moment of brilliance as a well-placed kick from Briar McNamara saw Hannah Smyth sprint down the touchline and collect, only for the winger to be stopped short of the line by a try-saving tackle from Amelia Tutt.

Moments later, Glasgow were close to getting their first points on the board but were held up on the line, however, the visitors maintained their patience and were rewarded when Sky Phimister burst through into the corner to score (7-5).

Glasgow showed their danger in attack shortly afterwards, as full-back Poppy Mellanby made a line-break, weaving her way through Brython Thunder’s defence before passing to Smyth, however, the hosts were able to breath a sigh of relief when Glasgow were penalised for being offside.

Warriors enjoyed another spell of possession and territory and were able to take the lead for the first time in the game as Phimister cantered down the wing to score, with Rianna Darroch slotting the conversion through the post (7-12).

There was a shift in momentum in the game as Keira Bevan spotted a gap in the defence and chipped the ball through. Although Mellanby collected, the full-back was isolated and Brython soon won a penalty, which was quickly taken by Marshall who darted over the line to bring the score to a level before half-time (12-12).

HALF-TIME: Brython Thunder 12-12 Glasgow Warriors

It was a slower start to the second-half, with both sides struggling to get a foothold in the game.

Despite the hosts enjoying a period of sustained pressure, Brython Thunder were unable to penetrate through the Warriors’ defence.

On the 57^th minute, Glasgow were able to retake the lead through Smyth who dotted down in the corner, with McNamara’s conversion attempt just falling short (12-17).

Two minutes later, Smyth put her foot down on the accelerator as she sprinted down the touchline to score again in the corner (12-22).

Brython Thunder were able to reduce the gap on the scoreboard as Jess Rogers crashed over the whitewash on the back of a driving maul, with Marshall’s conversion attempt hitting the posts (17-22).

Glasgow retaliated through a real team effort, with the ball going through the hands of the Warriors before finding Mellanby who scored, with Darroch adding the extras (17-29).

Brython Thunder looked to launch a comeback, however, some great defence from Glasgow Warriors saw the side keep their composure at a crucial point in the game.

With seconds to go, the Warriors were able to end in style with a further score under the posts from Ailsa Merryweather, with Ceitidh Ainsworth putting the final points on the board with a successful conversion (17-36).

Speaking after the match, Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Lindsey Smith said: “The part I’m most proud about is the effort from the team today. They are a young group of players but they managed the game very well and had that belief in themselves.

“There are a few things we can look to tighten up on for next week but very pleased overall with the performance today.”

FULL-TIME: Brython Thunder 17-36 Glasgow Warriors

Player of the Match: Nicole Flynn