Sun 14 Apr 2024
They have done it!! After 2 years of being made to settle for second place,
Launceston Ladies have finally topped the pile and earned the title of League
Champions by continuing their perfect record with a 7-33 win against local rivals
Bude. This being a rearranged fixture, unfortunately a number of Bude’s cohort had
other arrangements on what was meant to be a free weekend and with a couple of
pull outs on the day as well, Bude’s team sheet consisted of just 11 players. Both
teams though were eager to get a game played and make the most of the sunny
weather so the game was cut to 20 minute halves and Launceston matched Bude’s
numbers.
With Bideford having played all their games and completed their season last
weekend, they sat a point ahead of Launceston in the table, meaning Launceston
needed just 2 points from their final 2 games. Holly Williams eased all that pressure
in the first play of the game when Bude looked to play wide from the kick off.
Williams read the pass as she has done so many times this season and intercepted
to run untouched to the sticks. Adding the extras to her own try for good measure,
she’d put 7 points on the board within a minute.
From the restart Launceston got straight onto the front foot and worked their way
back into Budes half. Some hard running and well organised phase play set up room
for Meg Arnold to dive over for her score. Williams struck a lovely kick for the extras.
But this local derby was never going to be plain sailing. Bude competed fiercely at
the breakdown and looked dangerous with ball in hand. Launceston knew with the
likes of Lisa Allin and Tia Larson roaming around the pitch, Bude were not to be
underestimated. The next 15 minutes was a lung busting back and forth between the
sides with Bude venturing deep into Launcestons 22 on occasion. But for some
superb cover defence from fullback/both wings Ellen Armstrong and centre duo Joey
Sandercock and Abbie Smith working overtime to cover the wide channels, Bude
looked like they could score at any moment. On the stroke of halftime though,
Launceston attacked out from deep in their own half. Emily Kneale picked a pass out
wide and proceeded to run it straight through to the tryline from 60m out. Williams
added the extras from in front for a handsome halftime lead.
HT: 0-21
The second half got underway and with the changes rung, Launceston looked to put
this game to bed but it was Bude that dealt the first blow to keep them in the game
when Tia Larson got loose and galloped into open space to score only the third try
against Launceston all season. Ellie Gregory calmly knocked over the extra 2.
Launceston though cancelled that score out as quick they possibly could. Bude
allowed the restart to hit the deck and the wicked bounce found the weave machine
Meg Tucker. Without breaking stride she snake hips’d her way around the stunned
Bude players to score out wide. Williams' conversion attempt ricocheted off the
crossbar.
Launceston kept the changes coming in the hopes to keep fresh legs on to run Bude
off the park but a grit about this Bude team kept Launceston frustrated. It took time
and patience for the Cabettes to work their next score as Joey Sandercock got on
the outside of the defence and ran it round to dot down under the sticks. Williams, on
point with the boot, added the extras.
In the final play of the game, Launceston thought they’d bagged one last try as
Abigail Matthews shoved her way over the line in the corner only for the official to
deem a knock on in the tackle. But when the full time whistle blew, Launceston
emerged as Champions of NC2 South West West.
FT: 7-33
After the league fixture was finished both teams combined and played a final 20
minutes of fun rugby as the players hadn’t played a lot in the last couple of months
due to the weather. A game in which Vicki Doidge scored a try for Bude and Kim
Upcott slotted a sweet conversion!
Launceston set their goal at the start of the season to win the league and they have
done just that in style. With one game remaining next Sunday against Helston at
Polson Bridge, the Cabettes still have plenty to play for as they look to keep their
perfect record intact.
Forward of the Match: Meg Arnold
Back of the Match: Rachel Hicks
Report by: Dan Pearce
