Sun 5 Nov 2023
Launceston Ladies defence was finally breached on Sunday for the first time in all
competitions this year after Devonport Services grabbed a try in the final play of the
game. But The Cabettes had done enough in the previous 79 minutes to run out
convincing 5-31 winners.
In Launceston’s toughest battle so far this year, the ladies were made to work for
every score by a big and tough Services side that were keen to dish out the hits.
Epitomised in the first play of the game, Launceston went through 20+ phases of
play before finally finding their first score. It was Jenna Arnold with the breakthrough
after the huge build up play brought Launceston to the Devonport 5m line. A number
of pick and goes fell short before she busted her way through a gap and dotted
down. Holly Williams slotted the extras.
The game developed into a battle at the breakdown as the fast pace of the 4G pitch
left players isolated, allowing defenders to get over the ball and with the referee
rightfully hot on any players holding on on the floor, turnovers and penalties were
plentiful. This combined with both team’s ferocious tackling and cover defence,
neither side could find a way to the tryline.
However, Launceston did find dominance in their set piece as their scrum proved too
powerful for the Services pack, winning penalties to which Williams gained territory
through the boot. From a resulting lineout deep in the Services 22, Launceston
managed to stretch the defence getting the ball wide. A little bit of forward grunt was
needed before the ball was shipped to Williams who waltzed through a gap
untouched for another hard worked score. Uncharacteristically, the kick was missed.
HT: 0-12
The start of the second half saw players from both teams, battered and bruised, line
up as if they were soldiers returning to battle. The game still poised, Launceston
needed to get on the front foot early and put this game to bed. Mel Ruby, Briony
Eddy and Vicki Doidge led the way with dominant carries as well as Kim Upcott
punching holes. But with Devonport still sensing the game was within their grasp,
they were determined to hold out the Launceston onslaught. Launceston’s coaching
staff began to ring the changes in the hopes that new personnel would provide fresh
attacking potency.
The tactic worked as the Cabettes marched into the Services 22 through more
strong runs from the forwards. 5m out and Launceston knocking on the door, Megan
Arnold found a way through the melee of bodies to add a try to her superb defensive
performance. Williams conversion slightly wide.
Launceston then turned one score into two as Abbie Smith proved a kick is only as
good as its chase. An ambitious kick downfield from Williams was gathered in the
in-goal area by the Devonport full back but she was hunted hard by Smith who
dragged her down just outside the tryline. Backed up by Amy ‘Podge’ Warman who
looked to steal the ball but the isolated full back held on too long and a penalty was
awarded to Launceston. The ever quick thinking Podge, realised the Devonport
defence was still trying to get back onside, tapped and dove over for her score.
Williams back on target with the boot to add the extras from out wide.
Replacement centre Emily Kneale alongside Abbie Smith proved a powerful
combination in the midfield and a handful for the Devonport defenders as they
seemed to break the gainline on almost every occasion at this point, propelling
Launceston forward. One such attack brought Launceston to the Services 22 before
a pop to Kim Upcott at speed smashed a hole in the scrabbling defence. Shrugging
off the attempted tackle of the full back she scooted over for a compelling score.
Williams nudged the conversion for good measure.
Bodies began to break on both sides as the game's physicality took its toll.
Devonport's 10 and 7 proved tough customers dishing out the big tackles to the
Cabettes runners. But the Launceston contingent was not to be outdone as the likes
of Meg Arnorld, Caitlyn Hancock and Podge returned the favour. One particular bone
crunching hit though from Emily Kneale will be felt by the Devonport Captain
tomorrow as the perfectly timed tackle knocked the wind clean out of her and
brought an end to her input for the day.
The tempo and intensity never waned from both teams even up to the final play.
Devonport had an innocuous scrum on the halfway line. A slight mismatch was
spotted on the blindside as the Number 8 picked from the base and popped to their
elusive full back. One on one with her opposite number, Abbey Matthews bravely
brought her down. The tired bodies tried to retreat but not quite fast enough as
Devonport shipped the ball wide the other way and scrambled over for a well
deserved unconverted score to end Launceston’s season long clean sheet.
FT: 5-31
The Cabettes will be sore in the morning but most definitely be proud to win this very
competitive encounter and will be looking forward to the Services visit to Polson
Bridge later in the year. With no fixture next weekend, the ladies will look to nurse
their bodies back to health in time for the following week as they welcome Topsham
Tempest Ladies to Polson on the 19th November.
Report by: Dan Pearce
