Sun 15 Sep 2024
Women’s league rugby has returned to Polson Bridge as the newly promoted All
Blacks entertained the well established All Whites, Newton Abbot, on Sunday in their
first NC 1 South West fixture. Despite the higher league status it seemed business
as usual for Launceston as they picked up right where they left off last season with a
very familiar big score and clean sheet, running out 65-0 winners.
A pre-season loss last week against Ivybridge, who ply their trade in the Women's
Championship South West, meant Launceston came into this game with their eyes
wide open to the higher level of play required that comes with promotion. But the
Cabettes stood to the challenge and in front of their sponsors, put out a statement to
the rest of the league.
It didn’t take long for Launceston to get the scoreboard ticking for the season as
speed queen Meg Tucker made her first of many breaks. A cover tackle by Newton’s
full back halted Tucker’s gallop to the try line and a knock on meant it was time for
the first scrum of the game. Launceston’s well drilled scrummage proved too
powerful, winning the ball against the head. The ball shipped to the back line, Joey
Bartlett timed the pass perfectly to allow Tucker the chance to finish what she
started. Conversion missed.
The second try was a carbon copy of the first try as this time Bartlett makes the
break. Another knock on, another scrum turnover and Abbie Smith, who was
converted from 12 to Number 8 for the day, scurried down the blindside to open her
account for the season. Conversion missed.
Launceston learnt they needed to be patient in their build up as Newton Abbot
proved they could get in amongst Launceston and disrupt their rhythm. But
Launceston's powerful forwards will always be hard to stop as Kim Upcott forced her
way through for her score. Conversion was good from Bartlett.
The Cabettes began to grow in confidence as the interplay and offloads seemed to
all be going to hand. A break around the ruck by Abbie Smith seemed to be halted
but for a cheeky backdoor offload to Megan Arnold who was able to dive over.
Conversion missed. Smith’s power and speed proved too much to handle around the
breakdown, finding herself very much at home in her new role. Once again she
picked and went and this time going through herself for her second of the day.
Conversion missed.
Launceston’s momentum seemed unstoppable but for the halftime whistle. Before
that though they had one more score to add through Joey Bartlett who rounded off a
good first half performance with a deserved score of her own, adding the extras for
good measure.
HT: 34-0
The second half started much more evenly and Newton matched what Launceston
threw at them, causing massive issues at the breakdown by stealing the ball and
winning penalties. It took another power run from Smith to finally break the deadlock
as she scooted over for her hattrick. Bartett added the extras.
Newton though continued to frustrate at the breakdown and the ref finally had
enough as Lauren Carlyon became the victim of the teams indiscretions and
received a 10 minute rest in the sin bin for her sins.
Launceston dealt with the yellow card in the best way possible. When the kick didn't
make touch, the ball was shipped to Meg Tucker who showed how dangerous she is
when given space by running 70 metres untouched to dot down for her second.
Conversion was good from Bartlett.
Newton's resilience began to dwindle as the heat and fatigue of defending took its
toll. Trying to mount an attack from within their half, Smith decided that wasn’t going
to happen as she tackled, stole the ball and ran through the breakdown in one
motion to go 30 metres under the posts for her 4th of the day. Bartlett added the
extras.
Launceston showed their fitness and continued to attack with venom as the forwards
kept punching holes. A bit of patience in the Newton 22 paid off as Jenna Arnold
picked and securely dotted down over the line. Conversion missed.
The final play and score of the game rounded off a Sponsors Day voted Back of the
Match performance as Meg Tucker glided around the defence and under the posts to
complete her hattrick. Conversion missed
FT: 65-0
A brilliant start to life in NC1 South West for the Cabettes but they will be under no
illusions that there will be tougher tests to come in this league. Next Sunday the
ladies visit familiar foes Plymstock Albion Oaks. The Cabettes would like to take this
opportunity to thank all their wonderful sponsors.
Back of the Match: Meg Tucker (Sponsors) / Madi Vine (Coaches)
Forward of the Match: Abbie Smith (Sponsors) / Caitlyn Hancock (Coaches)
Report by: Dan Pearce
