Kicking things off, Lightning scored within the first four minutes by Cath O’Donnell. The conversion was slotted by Tash Jones and seven points decorated the board. Despite a fantastic start, the following ten minutes remained stalemate as neither side could find a breakthrough. However, it was Gloucester Hartpury who found momentum and dived across the whitewash. Conversion was missed leaving Lightning 7-5 ahead.
Lightning looked unsettled until Captain Sarah Hunter soared through the Gloucester Hartpury back line and edged herself across the line to take the score 14-5 with the conversion scored again by Jones. An inspired Bethan Zeidler replicated the former, dancing across the line. At the midway point Lightning were favourites maintaining the lead 19-5.
The second half saw more of the same, a second try for O’Donnell maintained Lightning’s domination 24-5. Conversion was missed. Lightning kept pushing in another sustained period of deadlock. A spill from Lightning was picked up by Gloucester Hartpury who took advantage penetrating the line. 24-10.
Lightning extended their lead in the final minute with Ella Wyrwas intercepting the ball and flying across the line. Overall, a spectacular performance from Lightning in baltic December conditions.