Celtic Challenge – Round four
Clovers: (24) 57
Tries: McInerney (2), Finn, McGann, S McGrath, Murphy, Whelan, A McGrath, Corey Cons: Finn (6)
Glasgow Warriors: (19) 31
Tries: McNamara, Flynn (2), Coubrough, Bogan Cons: Ainsworth (3)
A strong second-half showing helped Clovers to a 57-31 victory over Glasgow Warriors in an entertaining Celtic Challenge game at the Affidea Stadium.
Clovers led 24-19 at the break and secured the bonus point with just over half an hour played, but they conceded two tries late in the half to allow Glasgow a route back into the game.
The home side then added five more tries to make sure of the win as Glasgow picked up a losing bonus point as they scored two more tries of their own.
The win was the Clovers’ third from their four games, while Glasgow have won just one of their four fixtures in the competition.
Glasgow went ahead on eight minutes after Briar McNamara pounced on a loose Clovers pass and flicked the ball forward before finishing on the line.
Clovers responded three minutes later as Alana McInerney crossed in the left corner after latching onto Caitriona Finn’s offload.
Finn then registered the Clovers’ second try, getting over at the second attempt after Niamh Murphy went close.
Two more quick tries from Anna McGann and McInerney secured the bonus point for the hosts after 32 minutes as they stretchered their advantage.
Glasgow got back into the game with a second try on 36 minutes which came against the run of play.
Poppy Mellanby spotted a gap and drove forward before finding Nicole Flynn to touch down.
They were back to within five on the stroke of half-time as Emily Coubrough got another try and Ceitidh Ainsworth nailed the conversion.
The Clovers re-established a healthy lead when Sadh McGrath powered over for her side’s fifth try and Emily Murphy then added another soon after.
Katie Whelan also touched down for Denis Fogarty’s side before Glasgow got the bonus point with a rather bizarre try as Holland Bogan dived down to capitalise on another Clovers mistake.
Aoibheann McGrath capped off another slick Clovers move for their eighth try before Flynn got her second for Glasgow by crashing over at the other end.
Aoife Corey then rounded off the scoring for Clovers with a late try in the corner.
