Sun 21 Jan 2024
The momentum Launceston Ladies are building towards their maiden league title seems
impervious to anything, not even Storm Isha could slow their scoring rate as they put 73
unanswered points against bottom of the table Totnes Bluebirds in horrendous conditions.
A much changed Launceston starting lineup gave players with limited game time so far this
season a chance to prove their skills. The Cabettes showcased their strength in depth by
scoring 13 tries through both teamwork and individual brilliance, proving how unique and
skilled this squad is.
The wind howled across the pitch as the game got underway. Launceston received the kick
off and immediately got to work making their way down the pitch. It wasn’t long before they
grafted into the Totnes 22 and after a little bit of patience, Vicki Doidge crashed her way over
the line. The wind is an arch enemy of any kicker and its cruelty wreaked havoc all game as
Holly William’s attempt at goal looked good until it was blown way off course.
The wind continued to provide difficulties as the restart was blown deep into Launceston's 22
but a knock by Totnes in their attempt to recover the ball relieved the pressure. From the
resulting scrum came the first individually brilliant score. Vicki Doidge, as she so often does,
picked from the base and made yards infield. As she was tackled on the Launceston 22m
line, she freed the ball and offloaded to the onrushing Joey Sandercock, breaking into clear
space. A quick swerve around the full back, she pinned her ears to outpace the chasing
defenders to run the length for her first score. Williams nailed the extra points.
Again from the kick off, Launceston went on the offensive as Meg Arnold caught the restart,
put her head down and charged at the Totnes defence with no fear. Her strong run provided
Launceston with go forward and momentum as the Cabettes rushed down the pitch. Once
inside the Totnes 22 they patiently kept hold of the ball and edged closer to the tryline before
Meg Arnold was able to finish what she started with ano ther hard run, this time over the whitewash for a deserved score. Conversion missed.
The next score was another moment of brilliance, this time from the mercurial Holly Williams.
A clearance kick from Totnes blew straight to Williams who returned with interest with a chip
and chase over the oncoming defence. Showing her turn of pace she beat the covering full
back to grubber the ball through and using her skills as an ex-footballer she expertly
controlled the ball towards the tryline before diving on the ball for her first score. Conversion
missed
The next 2 scores showed the hours on the training ground are worth it as the Cabettes built
them through phase play and teamwork. Patiently, they held onto the ball, waited for the gap
to appear and pounced once it did. Firstly by shipping the ball to Sandercock for her second
and then to Captain Mel Ruby to crash through. Conversions missed.
HT: 0-32
The second half saw the changes ring in and the replacements make an immediate impact.
Rachel Hicks, now on at outside centre, provided the next score of individual brilliance with
her first touch of the ball. It seemed as if the claggy pitch had no effect on her twinkly toes as
she danced and piroutted around the would-be defenders before backing her pace in a race
to the tryline from 60m out. Conversion missed
The Cabettes showed no signs of letting up as they continued their offensive onslaught. The
usually hard running Meg Arnold shaped to pass, much to the relief of the defender in front
of her, but she threw a dummy and scythed through the gap left. A step and a handoff saw
Arnold clear to the tryline but the cover defence eventually brought down the 2nd row just
short. Her hard work was rewarded 2 phases later however as Poppy Speare dove over for
her score. Conversion missed
Launceston’s scoring began to free flow as Abigail Matthews broke down the left wing into
the Totnes 22. After a couple of hard runs through the middle were halted, the ball was
shipped wide to Holly Williams to step inside and wriggle her way over for her second. A
superbly struck kick into the wind sailed through the uprights for the extras.
The Cabettes kept their foot on the throat of the Totnes defence. A penalty given away by
Totnes on their own 5m provided perfect position to set up an attack. But the ever alert Amy
‘Podge’ Warman showed her brain is working quicker than most took a quick tap as the
Totnes defenders backs were turned and dove over in the corner. Conversion missed.
As the rain began to fall, Storm Isha was now in full force and so were the Cabettes as they
continued to score at will. Tries from Abbie Smith, a second for Vicki Doidge and a hattrick
completing third from Joey Sandercock rounded up the tries with the final two converted by
Sandercock.
FT: 0-73
The Totnes defence gave their all to slow the Launceston attack but the Cabettes proved too
quick, too powerful and too organised in the face of the opposition and the elements, showin
this entire squad can interchange, step in and do a job to the highest standard. With a busy
February ahead, Launceston will be glad of next week's no fixture. They next take the field in
their National Junior Cup match when they travel to Melksham on the 4th February.
Forward of the Match: Jenna Arnold
Back of the Match: Rachel Hicks
Report by: Dan Pearce
