Ella sparks Lightning attack

TWO standout tries by Ella Wyrwas ensured Loughborough Lightning maintained their unbeaten start to the season at the expense of Gloucester-Hartpury.

After a slow start last time out against Sale Sharks, scrum-half Wyrwas proved to be the spark behind Lightning’s increased pace from the kick-off as they controlled the early territory.

Lightning had a shot at taking the lead on 11 minutes when an intercept by Olivia Jones saw the wing charge towards the line only for Gloucester-Hartpury’s Kelly Smith to produce a try-saving tackle.

Lightning kept up the heat in attack when a quick tap-and-go, along with work from the forwards, pushed them to Gloucester-Hartpury’s five-metre line, where Wyrwas was able to dart through in the corner.

The visitors struck back straight from the kick-off thanks to a number of strong carries from their pack creating space for Hannah Jones to score.

Lightning, without their contingent of Scotland stars, responded through the half-back pairing of Wyrwas and Helena Rowland. The latter chipped the ball through for Wyrwas to gather and cross for her second.

A missed conversion meant Gloucester-Hartpury were able to take the lead when captain Mo Hunt and Bryonie King combined to set up Shona Powell-Hughes for the try, converted by Hunt.

But two penalty kicks by Rowland took Lightning back in front with additional tries from Lark Davies and Daleaka Menin separating tries from Gloucester-Hartpur’s Mia Venner and Bianca Blackburn.