Gwalia Lightning went down to a 52-7 defeat to back-to-back champions and league leaders, Wolfhounds, in Round 9 of the Celtic Challenge at Ystrad Mynach on Saturday afternoon.
The Welsh side came into this game third in the league table but still qualified for the play-offs due to other results going in their favour.
Gwalia, who have been in the tour four all season, now know they will play away if they are to qualify for the final in Edinburgh.
Wales flanker Bethan Lewis, who was making her debut for Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge, crossed for the home side’s try.
Gwalia Lightning will want to finish the campaign with a win when the face Brython Thunder in the final Round 10 game and Welsh derby at Parc y Scarlets on Sunday, March 8 (kick-off:2pm).
Welsh internationals Molly Reardon and Catherine Richards are named as co-captains with skipper Bryonie King sidelined with injury.
While experienced Wales internationals Lewis and lock Abbie Fleming were drafted into the starting line-up from the PWR and made their Gwalia Lightning and Celtic Challenge debuts.
Wales Number 8 Gwennan Hopkins made an impact with her first start of the season for Gwalia Lightning. Gwalia started the better of the two teams with the home side camped on the visitors line but the Irish side’s defence held firm.
Wolfhounds then crossed for a try with flanker Erin King crossing under the posts. Fly half Dannah O’Brien added the extras to make it 7-0.
The Irish side extended their lead soon after a period of pressure when wing Katie Corrigan crossed for a second try for Wolfhounds. O’Brien made the conversion and the score was 14-0 midway through the first half to the Irish side.
Prop Linda Djougang crossed for a third try, converted by O’Brien, to make it 21-0 to the reigning champions.
Centre Eve Higgins crossed for the bonus point try converted by O’Brien to show why Wolfhounds have been the dominant force in the Celtic Challenge.
Wing Corrigan crossed for her second try and O’Brien converted to make it 35-0 to Wolfhounds at half-time.
After the break, Number 8 India Daley scored for Wolfhounds before Gwalia Lightning crossed for a try to get on the scoreboard.
Number 8 Hopkins launched a Gwalia attack with a trademark charge that led to a score by flanker Lewis. Hughes converted the conversion to make it 40-7.
Wolfhounds replied with a try by replacement Alex Connor and full back Stacey Flood to seal a one-sided win.
