Gwalia outscore Edinburgh for Celtic Challenge win

Cieron Bell scored one of Edinburgh's five tries in a losing effort

Edinburgh (12) 27

Tries: Campbell, Walker 2, Ronald, Bell Cons: Scott

Gwalia Lightning (14) 29

Tries: Terry, Wakely, Hopkins, Pyrs Cons: Hughes 3 Pens: Hughes

Gwalia Lightning secured a narrow Celtic Challenge victory against Edinburgh in a high-scoring match at Hive Stadium.

In a back-and-forth first half, Shona Campbell gave the hosts the lead with a magnificent individual try, evading several defenders to go over in the corner.

Gwalia hit back with two tries of their own - Lily Terry benefitting from a neat offload from Alaw Pyrs for the first before Molly Wakely crashed over from close range.

Edinburgh winger Hannah Walker raced down the left wing to score her sixth try of the competition before half-time, but the Welsh side held a two-point lead at the break.

The topsy-turvy nature of the game continued after the interval.

Aila Ronald and Cieron Bell crossed as Edinburgh secured a try-scoring bonus point, while Gwennan Hopkins barged over and Carys Hughes kicked a penalty for the visitors.

Walker then held off two would-be tacklers to score her second and Edinburgh's fifth try, but there was to be one final twist.

Pyrs showed impressive strength to reach the line for Gwalia's fourth try, levelling the scores, and Hughes' third successful conversion of the game gave them a late two-point lead.

Edinburgh had one final chance with the clock in the red, but Scott was held up by the scrambling Gwalia defence in the game's final act.