logo
Thunder strike late to edge Edinburgh in 11-try thriller

Thunder strike late to edge Edinburgh in 11-try thriller

Yahoo08-02-2025

Celtic Challenge
Brython Thunder (21) 38
Tries: Singleton 2, Bluck 2, Gant, Davies Cons: Marshall 3, Tromans
Edinburgh Rugby (19) 32
Tries: Walker, Mchahon, Gunderson, Conchie, Scott Cons: Macrae 2 Pen: Macrae
Wales centre Hannah Bluck ran in two late tries as Brython Thunder edged Edinburgh in an 11-try thriller in the Celtic Challenge.
The visitors led 32-26 up until the 77th minute before Bluck's late intervention secured Thunder their first win of the campaign.
It lifts the Welsh side off the foot of the table, while Edinburgh leave Parc y Scarlets with what could prove to be two valuable bonus-points.
It took just three minutes for the try festival to begin, with Edinburgh wing Hannah Walker running in her ninth of the tournament.
Seren Singleton scored an opportunist try for Thunder, before Hannah McMahon shrugged off some weak tackling to put Edinburgh back in front.
Robyn Davies was not to be denied from close range as the lead changed hands once more, while Lucia Scott took advantage of a loose kick to race down her wing for Edinburgh.
A superb line break from Savannah Picton-Powell set up the try of the game, with Singleton in support to score her second of the afternoon. Hanna Marshall added the conversion to give Thunder a narrow 21-19 half-time lead.
Lucy Macrae slotted over a penalty for Edinburgh after the break, before Chloe Gant's close-range effort secured the try bonus-point for Thunder.
The visitors then ran in two tries from replacement Amy Conchie and Merryn Gunderson as they looked to have secured victory.
But Bluck came off the bench and twice carved up the defence to secure her side their first win.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Bluck said: "Everyone digged deep in that game, we backed each other, we went out with all guns blazing."
"I think other games, we were very nervous and that took over us, whereas in this game we stuck to the process and what we have been doing in training and worked off that then."
Brython Thunder captain Natalia John said: "We've really worked hard as a squad over the last two weeks to come together and put out a performance.
"I asked the girls when we had five, 10 minutes to go, just give me heart, give me fight and they showed that in spades. I couldn't ask for much more as a captain."
Brython Thunder: Ellie Tromans; Ffion Davies, Savannah Picton-Powell, Meg Webb, Eleanor Hing; Hanna Marshall, Seren Singleton; Stella Orrin, Chloe Gant, Cadi Lois Davies, Robyn Davies, Natalia John (capt), Finley Jones, Lucy Isaac, Katie Carr
Replacements: Lowri Williams, Elan Jones, Megan Lewis, Danai Mugabe, Anna Stowell, Niamh Terry, Hannah Bluck, Hannah Lane.
Edinburgh Rugby: Nicole Marlow; Lucia Scott, Lisa Brown, Lucy MacRae, Hannah Walker; Hannah Ramsay, Rhea Clarke; Talei Tawake, Karis Craig, Hannah McMahon, Adelle Ferrie, Natasha Logan, Lauryn Walter, Alex Stewart (capt), Merryn Gunderson
Replacements: Millie Capaldi, Alison Wilson, Chloe Brown, Samaanther Taganekurukuru, Charlotte Fosbeary, Emily Love, Sarah Denholm, Ami Conchie

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sporting pioneer honoured with Welsh sporting accolade
Sporting pioneer honoured with Welsh sporting accolade

Yahoo

time22 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Sporting pioneer honoured with Welsh sporting accolade

Matthew Evans was inducted into the Wales Sports Hall of Fame and received the Lord Brooke Award for Outstanding Contribution to Welsh Sport (Image: Matthew Evans) A Pembrokeshire sporting pioneer has been honoured with one of the highest accolades in Welsh sport. Matthew Evans, founder of the Long Course Weekend and co-founder of Ironman Wales, was officially inducted into the Wales Sports Hall of Fame. Advertisement He was also presented with the Lord Brooke Award for Outstanding Contribution to Welsh Sport during the ceremony at St Brides Hotel in Saundersfoot. Mr Evans said: "To be inducted into the Wales Sports Hall of Fame with the Lord Brooke Award is truly humbling." He began this journey in 2010 with the first Long Course Weekend, with Ironman Wales starting in 2011. Mr Evans added: "Since then, we've developed world-class sporting events across Wales and around the globe — a journey made possible only through the support of an incredible team." The award recognises the broad impact of Mr Evans' work on Welsh sport, tourism, and the nation's global reputation. Advertisement His events have generated millions in economic benefits, drawn thousands of visitors to Wales, and helped position the country as a leader in endurance sport. Mr Evans said: "From a government that understood the vision, to a county that helped with the hard yards, to communities that came together to deliver a world-class visitor experience – and a team that disrupted the market and created something truly Welsh and world-class – this has always been about collective belief and effort." The Long Course Weekend has grown into one of Wales's top sporting exports, with versions now held in New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Maastricht, Mallorca, Holland, and Yorkshire. Mr Evans has also developed a legacy programme for children, a volunteer scheme, and business partnerships that support host communities and promote long-term growth. Advertisement He said: "A heartfelt thank you to the athletes who've supported us so loyally over the years – and to their loved ones who party, cheer, and make our red-carpet finishes famous across the world. "Your passion brings our events to life." He finished his remarks by acknowledging a lifelong friend. He said: "A final shout out to Scott Powell, who's been there since we were 16 years old – front row at Llandovery College – and still by my side today (although thankfully, he doesn't drop the ball anymore). "This one's for us both, for the team, for the county, and for everyone at Major Events in Welsh Government."

The seven teams joining Reading in League One after EFL promotions and relegations
The seven teams joining Reading in League One after EFL promotions and relegations

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

The seven teams joining Reading in League One after EFL promotions and relegations

AFC Wimbledon's Ryan Johnson and Jack Reeves lift the trophy with team-mates following victory in the Sky Bet League Two play off final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Monday May 26, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER League Two. Photo credit (Image: Mike Egerton) As is always the way at this time of year, Reading fans will be mapping and planning out the next nine months as the 2025/26 League One campaign sneaks up on you. With two weeks until fixture release day, there is still some two months until a ball is kicked, but seven new teams will be in the third tier for supporters to visit next season. Advertisement Take a look below at the three teams who dropped down from the Championship and four who came up from League Two, with plenty of familiar faces. (Image: JasonPIX) Cardiff City Regular foes over the past 20 years, Reading are meeting the Bluebirds in third tier for first time since a 2-2 draw at Ninian Park in 2001 after Aaron Ramsey's side finished rock-bottom of the Championship. Circling around the plughole for a number of years, Reading last met the Welsh side in a competitive fixture in February 2023, the year in which they were relegated. Sambri Lamouchi's side were down there with Paul Ince's Royals, but a dire 1-0 defeat in the capital was a big nail in the coffin, Romaine Sawyers scoring late in the day for the hosts. Advertisement Memorable Meetings: Cardiff City 0-3 Reading, 2011 Drawing 0-0 in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi final at the Madejski Stadium, Reading ran riot in the second leg and booked their place in the final against fellow Welsh outfit Swansea City. Shane Long netted twice, the final goals of his first spell, while Jobi McAnuff's solo effort rounded off the scoring. Dave Jones' side would endure one more failed play-off attempt in 2011/12 before winning the Championship under Malky Mackay in 2012/13. Cardiff City 3-0 Reading, 1927 Reading's first appearance in an FA Cup semi-final was not a happy one, beaten comfortably at Molineux as Cardiff booked their place in the Wembley showpiece. Beating Arsenal 1-0, the trophy was taken out of England for the first time. Advertisement Plymouth Argyle It has been more than 15 years since Reading and Plymouth shared a division, and you have to go back to Mark McGhee's promotion-winning year of 1993/94 to find the pair in the third tier. The Pilgrims finished second from bottom in the Championship to return to League One after two years and are on the hunt for a manager after Miron Muslic walked to Schalke. It has been six years since the sides last played, Josh Barrett catching the eye at Home Park as Reading knocked the hosts out of the League Cup in round two, while a 2-1 win for Brian McDermott's Royals in 2009/10 was the most recent league meeting. Advertisement Memorable Meetings Reading 1-2 Plymouth Argyle, 2005 It is not often that memorable matches end in defeat, but little did anyone know that after an opening day defeat to Plymouth in August 2005, Steve Coppell's side would not taste defeat for 33 matches and roar to the Premiership in March 2006. Reading 4-3 Plymouth Argyle, 1985 Another record-breaking season for Reading as Ian Branfoot's men won their first 13 league matches and eventually sealed promotion to the second tier, perhaps the most iconic of the season came in December at Elm Park. Almost 9,000 were in attendance as the visitors raced into a three-goal lead after 48 minutes. Looking set for defeat, Dean Horrix pulled one back in the 65th minute and three goals in the final 10 minutes completed the ultimate comeback. Advertisement Luton Town After a sudden fall from League Cup winners to non-league regulars, the Hatters enjoyed a similarly steep rise back to the top as they rose from tier five to the Premier League in a decade. This season will see Matt Bloomfield's men sharing the third tier with the Royals for the first time since 2001, while Rob Edwards brought his side to Berkshire as recently as 2022, a 1-1 draw in which Andy Carroll was sent off for deliberate handball. Memorable Meetings Reading 4-1 Luton Town, 1988 One of Reading's greatest days, over 40,000 followed the club to Wembley for the first time and were rewarded with a feast of football as Branfoot's side lifted the Full Members Cup. Advertisement Mick Tait, Michael Gilkes, Stuart Beavon and Neil Smilie found the net on the day as the Hatters, who were regulars of the top division, would go on to beat Arsenal in the League Cup final a matter of weeks later. Luton 0-5 Reading, 2020 Supporters had to be content with watching Mark Bowen's side pull Luton apart on television due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it was still enjoyable. Yakou Meite found the net four times and George Puscas grabbed himself a goal in one of the rare positive results after Operation Restart. (Image: Adam Rutter) Port Vale Supporters of both sides are looking forward to a reunion with our friends from Staffordshire, the pair pitted against each other after a year out. Advertisement After the most recent original fixture was abandoned due to protests, with the Royals winning the rescheduled match, tens of thousands of pounds were raised for a statue of Vale legend John Rudge. Now firm friends in a world where that can sometimes be rare, Reading fans will no doubt circle the next trip to Vale Park as a must-attend. Doncaster Rovers It has been an incredible 39 years since Reading met 'Donny' in the third tier, and a over a decade since the last meeting full stop. Who can forget Alex Pearce's stepovers as Nigel Adkins' side celebrated with inflatables at the Keepmoat Stadium for the final away match of the 2013/14 campaign. Advertisement With former Royal Billy Sharp still going strong at 40, Grant McCann's side will be back in Berkshire this coming season. Memorable Meetings Reading 4-3 Doncaster, 2010 Brian McDermott's side scored four for the second time in a week as Doncaster visited the Madejski Stadium in October 2010. Matt Mills, Jem Karacan, Ian Harte and Simon Church found the net for the hosts in a seven goal thriller. Doncaster 7-5 Reading, 1982 Rovers hit seven on their own way back in 1982, the second time the Royals have lost 7-5 in the last 50 years. Kerry Dixon grabbed a hattrick but still ended up on the losing side at Belle Vue. Advertisement Bradford City Bradford, who sealed a return to League One with almost the last kick of their season, will return to the SCL Stadium for the first time in a decade this season. You have to go back to 1993/94 for the last time both the Royals and Bantams were in the third tier, McGhee's side winning the title come the end. Nobody of a Reading persuasion will need reminding of the last meeting between the sides, a 3-0 win to send Steve Clarke's side to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final showdown with Arsenal. Memorable Meetings Reading 3-0 Bradfod City, 2015 After a tense stalemate on a quagmire at Valley Parade, Hal Robson-Kanu and Garath McCleary eased any fears in the replay. Advertisement Felipe Morias saw red for Phil Parkinson's side and Jamie Mackie completed the rout in the second half, sending over 20,000 fans home happy. Reading 2-1 Bradford, 1988 After knocking out three top-flight sides in the first three rounds of the Simod Cup, Branfoot's side were finally drawn a team in their division at the quarter-final stage. Only 7,000 turned out but Colin Bailie and Dean Horrix did the damage, albiet after extra-time, to set up a mouth-watering semi-final with Coventry City. Over 15,000 (and the rest, who went unaccounted for) turned out for the 1-1 draw as Michael Gilkes' penalty sent the Royals to Wembley. Advertisement AFC Wimbledon In an unusual feat for Reading, who celebrate their 154th birthday in December, this year will mark a first ever competitive fixture with the Wombles. Under Paul Ince, the Royals won a pre-season fixture at Plough Lane, but you have to go back to the original Wimbledon, who ceased to exist over 20 years ago, for a competitive meeting. Only meeting 12 times between 1977 and 2003, future captain Jobi McAnuff scored as the South London side won 3-0 on Boxing Day 2003. A crowd of just 2,066 saw Reading win the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park, this being a second tier fixture.

Back at home, Pacers have some things to figure out before Game 3 vs. Thunder in NBA Finals
Back at home, Pacers have some things to figure out before Game 3 vs. Thunder in NBA Finals

Boston Globe

time3 hours ago

  • Boston Globe

Back at home, Pacers have some things to figure out before Game 3 vs. Thunder in NBA Finals

Yes, the Pacers are tied with the Thunder 1-1 after two games of the NBA Finals. For the lower-seeded team, that's huge; the Pacers took home-court advantage away by Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'We're going to have to be a lot better on Wednesday,' Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. Advertisement That might sound like coaching hyperbole, but really, it isn't. The Pacers have yet to have anyone score 20 points in a game in these finals. They've led for a total — a total! — of 1 minute, 54 seconds in this series, or just under 2 percent of the time. (That's a major improvement over the 0.0001 percent that they led Game 1 for, in a winning effort, somehow.) And Advertisement Points in the paint isn't a stat that tends to jump off the page. It's possible that a lot of people didn't even notice. But consider this: Before Sunday night, more than nine years had passed since the Pacers didn't manage a single paint point in the first quarter of a game. 'We have to do a better job of getting to the paint,' Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said. 'It's a lot easier said than done. . . . Our offense is built from the inside-out, and we have to do a better job getting downhill. They collapse and make plays from there. I thought we could improve a lot there. But yeah, man, they are flying around. They have got great point-of-attack defenders and great rim protectors.' Chet showing his TWO-WAY IMPACT with the stuff 💪🚫 OKC on a 23-7 run in Game 2 on ABC 👀 — NBA (@NBA) For a team that has now won 81 of its 100 games this season (not counting the NBA Cup final loss, since that doesn't figure into any records), the Thunder somehow tend to get overlooked on the defensive end. Oklahoma City handcuffed the Pacers in the first two games, daring Indiana to take 3-pointers and barely giving up anything easy around the rim. It starts with bothering Haliburton, which the Thunder have managed to do for the majority of the first two games. 'Most of the guys I guard have the ball most of the time,' said Thunder forward Luguentz Dort, who has drawn the assignment on Haliburton for much of the first two games. 'My main thing is to stay in front of him and make everything tough. He's a great player. He is going to make some tough shots and great reads, so I just have to stay in front of him.' Advertisement No team gave up fewer paint points in the regular season than the Thunder. It truly is a clash of styles; the Pacers are averaging 46 paint points in their 13 wins in these playoffs as opposed to averaging 36 paint points in their five losses. 'I think we have been one of the better teams scoring in the paint all year and we have to establish that early,' Pacers forward Myles Turner said. 'I think we only had four or six points in the paint in the first half (of Game 2) and that's not Pacers basketball. When you live and die by that three or mid-range shots, it doesn't always fare well for you.' Myles Turner this postseason: 15.2 PPG 2.2 BPG 38.9 3P% And this massive poster 😱 Indy is tied 1-1 heading home in the NBA Finals! — NBA (@NBA) Maybe at home, things will be easier. The Pacers got a split in Oklahoma City; things could be much worse. And now, the Pacers have two days to try to find a way to respond to what the Thunder defense is taking away. 'We'll watch the film, see where we can get better,' Haliburton said. 'We know that the paint is our emphasis and the paint is our friend. The more that we're able to attack the paint, usually better things happen for us.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store