Sun 7 Jan 2024
2024 is poised to be a year to remember for Launceston Ladies as they got off to the
perfect start by completing the Bideford Trilogy with a well fought 37-0 win. The
Cabettes managed to not concede a single point in all three matches against their
closest league rivals meaning they sit at the top of the table and firmly in the driver's
seat to the league title.
After almost a month of no games over the festive period, Launceston Ladies
restarted their title charge against second in the league Bideford Ladies, who’s only
other league loss this year was against The Cabettes earlier in the season. The
ladies came out eager to run off the Christmas turkey and get the scoreboard ticking
early. They did just that as Launceston received the kick off and proceeded to make
their way up the pitch. Bideford’s defensive efforts slowed the charge but
Launceston's attack just kept coming and eventually it was Kim Upcott that spun her
way over from short range. Conversion missed
Bideford though have clearly been working hard in training at their defence as the
tackles on display were cutting Launceston’s power runners down. So Launceston
began to shift the point of attack and with the threats The Cabettes possess all over
the field, they began to open Bideford up. One such threat was Emily Kneale, who
was a real presence all game, found a gap to cruise through and bag her first try of
the game. Holly Williams slotted the extras.
To cover all the attacking threats, Bidefords defence was stretched across the park,
opening up gaps for Launceston’s power runners to take advantage of. The Cabettes
momentum proved too strong as Megan Arnold was bundled over the line. Williams'
conversion attempt was true but agonisingly short.
The next score didn’t take long and Launceston’s attacking potency proved lethal as
once again they expertly worked their way up the pitch. Bideford once more slowed
the Launceston forwards but the Cabettes quickly shifted the ball wide to Rachel
Hicks who showed her speed and athleticism to race to the corner. Conversion out
wide was short.
It had been all Launceston so far but Bideford were finally able to apply their best
defensive weapon, possession. Bideford held on to the ball for long spells, denying
Launceston the chance to utilise their attack. Bideford soon worked a position to
mount an attack of their own that came within inches of the Cabettes tryline. It took
an incredible defensive set to hold Bideford out before the halftime whistle blew and
relieved that pressure.
HT: 22-0
Launceston started the second half as they did the first, by getting hold of the ball
and attacking at all angles. It wasn’t long before Jenna Arnold was celebrating with
her teammates after she dotted down in the corner. The conversion out wide was
missed.
Bideford though gained possession and continued to frustrate Launceston by
starving them of the ball. Bidefords defence at the rucks also proved very effective
as any possession Launceston did have was quickly stolen back. But Bideford’s
massive defensive effort took its toll as the injuries started to creep in and once
Launceston introduced their finishers, they showed their strength in depth and
regained control of the match.
With 5 minutes left to go they added two final scores to compliment the end result.
The centre partnership provided the first as Abbie Smith, as she’s done so often this
season, made a break through the Bideford defensive wall from deep inside her own
half. A brilliant cover tackle from the full back saved her from running the length. The
Cabettes flowed onto the ball making the most of the momentum before Emily
Kneale found herself in enough room to go through and score. Conversion missed
With a minute left to play from the restart Launceston surged right back down the
pitch though Ellen Armstrong. The full back covered well again but the Cabettes
capitalised on the momentum once more, this time through Oz Brazier going over
from close range. Conversion missed
FT: 37-0
Launceston are 7 wins from 7 games in the league so far but with 5 games left to go
and a National Junior Cup run, the Cabettes can’t afford to take their foot off the gas.
They’ll be looking to build on this result at Totnes on 21/01 and take one step closer
to that league title.
