Sun 26 Nov 2023
A break from league action brought about the 3rd round of the National Junior Cup
where Launceston welcomed Paignton for the first time to Polson Bridge. With some
unavailabilities, Launceston took the chance to rotate their squad, trying players in
different positions and give their wider squad some much deserved game time. The
Cabettes showed their strength in depth to overcome a strong Paignton performance
to progress to the last 16 running out 39-5 winners.
For the second week in a row Launceston faced the unknown as they took on newly
established Paignton, who ply their trade in NC 3 South West. With the Cabettes
sitting comfortably at the top of the league above, they could have been forgiven in
thinking this was going to be a bit of a walkover and with the very first play of the
game it looked like by all accounts to be heading that way. The crowd had barely
made their way to their favourite viewing spots as straight from kick off the ball found
Abbie Smith who immediately worked her way around the winger and sprinted down
the left touchline. She jinked around the fullback and looked to be on her way to the
corner but for a superb cover tackle from the Paignton defence. Rachel Hicks
however was supporting well and gladly received the pop off the floor from Smith to
roll over for the first score of the match inside 30 seconds. The touchline conversion
was short.
Launceston looked to settle into their structures early and began to build pressure on
the Paignton defence. It wasn’t long before Launceston were deep into the Paignton
22 and after some good pick and go work, Caitlyn Hancock scurried under the
defence to grab a try of her own. The conversion from Holly Williams was successful.
At 12-0 within 5 minutes it looked to be business as usual for the Launceston offence
but a shock score derailed that ideology. The normally hardened Launceston
defence seemed to be soaking up tackles rather than driving teams backwards as
they’ve become accustomed to, allowing Paignton’s Number 8 Lulu Sinar time to
pick her hole. Paignton’s standout player showed her talent to get on the outside of
the Launceston defence and beat the cover defence for pace for a score that shook
the Launceston camp. Conversion missed.
The stern words from the coaches and captain collectively propelled Launceston
instantly back down the pitch and after some grunt from the forwards, Megan Arnold
had enough room to dive over for an immediate reply. Williams struck the conversion
perfectly for the extras.
The opposition’s score though had disrupted the status quo as a boosted Paignton
grew in confidence and a rattled Launceston became frantic in their play. Passes
seemed forced and support play seemed slow as Paignton unsettled every break
down. It took Launceston a while to find their rhythm once more but after a few
penalties for high tackles, the Cabettes set up shop deep in Paignton territory. The
forwards driving maul became the go to tactic to set an attacking platform and from
there they could release their backs. Winger Madi Vine received the ball with some
space to work with, which the promising youngster exploited to the fullest by scoring
her first try for the Cabettes. The conversion was just wide.
HT: 24-5
After a number of first half injuries for both camps, the second half started gingerly
with neither side making much headway. The scrums became the main battle on the
field after handling errors and Paignton’s strong disruption at the rucks. Paignton’s
pack found the edge over the normally immovable Launceston scrummage but with
their formidable hard running ball carriers in captain Mel Ruby, Emily Kneale, Abbie
Smith and the returning Rhian Thomas still causing issues all over the park,
Launceston were winning the battle of the territory.
It was nearly 20 minutes before Launceston would get the score to break the second
half deadlock and the in-form Amy ‘Podge’ Warman got the scoreboard ticking once
more after a dummy and go from 5m out opened a gap to slink through. Conversion
missed.
The scrum battle continued and kept the second half an even contest but again the
power runners got Launceston on the front foot. Mel Ruby led the charge and was
rewarded with a gap to drive through and grab a deserved try. Conversion wide.
With 10 minutes remaining Launceston emptied their bench, ensuring essential
game time for all Launceston players, including a debut for Ty Norris. Among those
changes was Kim ‘Kimbo’ Upcott who’s introduction changed the dynamic of the
scrum battle as Launceston who were once inching backwards were now almost
running through the Paignton scrum. Launceston, boosted by the energy off the
bench were able to work enough space out wide for Abbie Smith to add her
contribution. Conversion missed
The final few minutes though were all Paignton as they went in search for an
unprecedented second score against Launceston but the Cabettes held out to book
their place in the last 16.
FT: 39-5
Paignton brought a challenge that earned the respect of Launceston Ladies and
provided the tough battle they had been hoping for. The next cup match won't be
until the new year but next week brings yet another unknown opponent as The
Ladies travel down south to Helston when they meet for the first time at the halfway
point in the season.
Forward of the Match: Katie Gilmour
Back of the Match Amy Warman
Report by: Dan Pearce
