Clovers Dominate Glasgow Warriors In Nine-Try Celtic Challenge Thriller

The Affidea Stadium in Belfast was the stage for a sizzling display of rugby on January 18, 2026, as the Clovers surged to a 57-31 victory over Glasgow Warriors in Round 4 of the Celtic Challenge. In a contest brimming with attacking flair, the Clovers’ nine-try haul not only secured a vital win but also widened the gap between themselves and Glasgow in the standings, leaving the Irish side seven points clear in third place. For the Warriors, it was a spirited effort, but ultimately, the home side’s relentless offense proved too much to contain.

From the opening whistle, it was clear both sides were intent on throwing caution to the wind. Glasgow Warriors, eager to bounce back in the standings, struck first. After just nine minutes, Briar McNamara capitalized on a loose ball, kicking ahead and dotting down for the game’s first try. Ceitidh Ainsworth’s conversion gave the visitors a 7-0 lead, and the early signs suggested a fierce contest was brewing.

But the Clovers, buoyed by a raucous home crowd, wasted little time in responding. The pacy Niamh Murphy, Sadhbh McGrath, and Lucia Linn combined to stretch the Glasgow defense, and a sharp skip pass from Caitríona Finn put winger Alana McInerney over in the corner. Although Finn’s conversion attempt was off target, the hosts had cut the deficit to just two points and signaled their attacking intent.

The next twenty minutes saw the Clovers steadily exert their dominance. Propelled by the hard-carrying McGrath and Ella Burns, and the tactical acumen of scrum-half Emily Lane, the Irish outfit began to wear down the Scottish defense. Finn, who had returned from an Ireland training camp just days earlier, squeezed over for a 22nd-minute try and then added three more conversions as the Clovers built a 24-7 lead, with further tries from Anna McGann and a second from McInerney.

Yet, Glasgow Warriors refused to roll over. Nicole Flynn, who had earlier been sin-binned for a high tackle, made amends with a try just before halftime. Then, as the clock ticked into stoppage time, Emily Coubrough powered over, and with Ainsworth’s conversion, the Warriors closed the gap to 24-19 at the interval. The visitors had not only weathered the Clovers’ storm but had also earned a bonus point for their attacking efforts.

As the second half got underway, the Clovers suffered a setback when Ireland international Jane Clohessy left the field with a wrist injury. But adversity seemed only to sharpen their focus. Adams Verling’s breakdown work and Finn’s tactical kicking tilted the territory battle in the hosts’ favor. Sadhbh McGrath muscled over for her third try of the tournament, and Finn’s conversion extended the lead to 31-19.

Momentum now firmly with the Clovers, Murphy charged down a McNamara kick, and soon after, she stormed through for another try, demonstrating a potent blend of pace and power. Katie Whelan, making her debut after switching from the Wolfhounds, capped a slick attacking move by reaching over for her first try in Clovers colors. With Finn’s boot in fine form, the score ballooned to 45-19 with just 15 minutes remaining.

Glasgow, to their credit, continued to fight. Co-captain Holland Bogan pounced on a loose ball at the ruck to register a try, but the Clovers responded immediately. Jemima Adams Verling, who had been a force at the breakdown all game, produced a stunning offload to set up Aoibheann McGrath for the hosts’ eighth try. Finn’s conversion made it 52-24.

The closing minutes saw a flurry of scores. Flynn, who had been a constant threat in the midfield for Glasgow, crossed for her second try, and Ainsworth’s conversion brought the Warriors to 31 points. Still, the Clovers weren’t done. With the final play, McInerney—already on a brace—turned provider, putting fellow Ennis native Aoife Corey over in the corner to complete the nine-try spectacle. The final whistle brought the curtain down on a breathless contest, with the Clovers triumphant at 57-31.

Player of the match honors went to Caitríona Finn, whose 17-point contribution—one try and six conversions—was central to the Clovers’ attacking masterclass. The Tipperary teenager’s vision and composure under pressure were evident throughout, and her ability to unlock the Glasgow defense proved decisive.

For the Warriors, there were positives amid the defeat. Flynn’s brace and McNamara’s opportunism showcased their attacking potential, while Coubrough and Bogan’s tries highlighted the team’s resilience. The visitors left Belfast with a bonus point, a small consolation as they look to regroup for the challenges ahead.

The match was not without its physical toll, as both sides engaged in fierce breakdown battles and robust tackling. The loss of Clohessy will be a concern for the Clovers, especially with a rematch against Brython Thunder looming at Virgin Media Park next Sunday. Still, coach Denis Fogarty will take heart from the depth shown by his squad, with replacements like Whelan and Adams Verling making significant impacts off the bench.

In the wider context of the Celtic Challenge, this result shakes up the standings. The Clovers’ seven-point cushion over Glasgow in third place gives them breathing room as the competition enters its decisive phase. With momentum on their side and a potent mix of youth and experience, the Irish side will fancy their chances of climbing even higher.

Glasgow Warriors, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. Their attacking weapons are clear, but tightening up defensively will be crucial if they are to close the gap in the standings. The bonus point earned in Belfast could prove vital in the weeks to come.

As the Celtic Challenge rolls on, one thing’s for sure: if this high-scoring thriller is anything to go by, fans can expect plenty more fireworks before the final whistle of the season.