Gwen Crabb Takes the Helm: A New Chapter for Brython Thunder
Returning to her Welsh roots, lock Gwen Crabb is set to captain Brython Thunder for the first time this Sunday against Clovers at 12:00 GMT. This marks a significant moment for the team, and for Crabb herself, who brings a wealth of experience to the field.
Crabb, a seasoned player with 39 caps under her belt and participation in the last two World Cups, made the decision to leave Gloucester-Hartpury last year. Her return to Wales and subsequent signing with Thunder, while recovering from a knee injury, has been a boost for the team. She will lead a side brimming with talent, including eight international players, in the third round of the Celtic Challenge at the Arms Park.
Joining Crabb in the second row is Natalia John. The midfield will see Courtney Keight, drafted in from Sale Sharks, making her Thunder debut alongside Hannah Bluck. Adding further experience to the squad, former Wales captain Rhian Bowden, with 49 caps to her name, is set to make her debut at hooker, having been called up from Senghenydd Sirens.
In the back row, open-side flanker Lucy Isaac will make her first start of the season, joined by Jess Rogers and Welsh international Branwen Metcalfe. This combination of seasoned players and emerging talent sets the stage for an exciting match.
Thunder's journey in the Celtic Challenge has seen them face challenges. They began with a 36-17 defeat against Glasgow Warriors at Parc y Scarlets and later lost 38-7 to Gwalia Lightning in a festive derby in Cardiff. Despite these setbacks, the team is looking forward.
Head coach Ashley Beck expressed his anticipation for the upcoming match, stating, "Clovers finished second in the Celtic Challenge last season, and we know they will provide a stern challenge, but we are at home at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday."
He further highlighted the impact of experienced players like Gwen Crabb, Courtney Keight, and Hannah Bluck, saying, "To have experienced Welsh internationals...available has allowed us to make several changes. We expect them to bring some real energy and experience to the side and add to the exciting young players who have really impressed so far in this campaign."
Beck added, "We showed enough in the Welsh derby to show we are moving in the right direction, and we created enough opportunities against Gwalia, and we just need to convert them into points."
Meanwhile, Gwalia Lightning Gears Up for Glasgow Warriors
Gwalia Lightning is set to face Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday at 12:30 GMT, aiming to build on their derby win. The team will see two changes to their XV, with Nikita Prothero stepping in for GB Sevens player Nia Fajeyisan, who sustained an ankle injury, and Anwen Owen getting the nod in the back row.
Lightning's head coach, Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin, acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "Glasgow are level with us on points in the table and we are expecting a major test. We have shown we can score tries and know we will need to do that against Glasgow."
She added, "We have shown playing away from home doesn't faze us and we were unlucky not to get more out of our away trip against Clovers in round one. We are still one of the youngest sides in the league, but we have a lot of players who have Celtic Challenge experience and have used it as a springboard for international recognition."
Team Lineups
Brython Thunder (v Clovers): A Williams; Tutt, Bluck, Keight, Singleton; Marshall, Lockwood; Orrin, Bowden, E Jones, Crabb (capt), John, Rogers, Isaac, B Metcalfe. Replacements: A Morgan, M Lewis, Watkins, R Davies, F Jones, F Lewis, Bush, Healan.
Gwalia Lightning (v Glasgow Warriors): Richards, Greenway, Webster, Thomas, Prothero; C Hughes, S Jones; M Davies, Reardon, Hill, Pyrs, Vucaj, E Jones, Owen, King (capt). Replacements: Crabb, Cuming, Scoble, Terry, Pearce, Bevans, McMullen, C Lewis.
The Road Ahead
Both teams are gearing up for crucial matches in the Celtic Challenge. With experienced players leading the charge and young talents eager to prove themselves, the upcoming games promise to be filled with action and excitement.
What are your thoughts on Gwen Crabb's leadership and the potential impact of the returning players? Share your opinions in the comments below!
