Sun 20 Oct 2024
Cornish bragging rights head down Cornwall as Penryn ended Launceston’s 16
league match winning streak with a 20-19 victory at The Memorial Ground on
Sunday. Two tough matches in a row took its toll as Launceston last tasted league
defeat back in March 2023 against a loaded Exeter Athletic outfit. But there can be
no qualms that the better team won on the day as Penryn produced a dominant
defensive display and Launceston seemed just off the pace.
The Cabettes took charge of early possession but found no way through and with
talismanic Amy ‘Podge’ Warman forced to leave the field after a calf injury sustained
in the warm up wouldn’t shake, Launceston needed something special to get the
breakthrough. Queen of magic moments Holly Williams stepped up and produced
another as she chipped, chased and regathered her own kick, almost making it all
the way but for a good cover tackle from the Penryn full back. Abbie Smith though
was hot on her heels and gladly received the pop off the deck to dive over.
Conversion attempt agonisingly off the crossbar.
Penryn hit right back as they gained good territory from the kick off. So much so they
forced a goal line dropout that they returned for a score in the corner. Conversion
missed.
Possession again was all Launceston as they looked to tire the Penryn defence. Avril
Crabb and Kim Upcott opened up a chink in the armour as Crabb, who was causing
issues for the defence with every carry, offloaded to a charging Upcott, bursting
through. The cover defence eventually caught up and slowed Upcott but Crabb was
working double time to support, allowing Upcott the chance to return the pass and
give Crabb her first score of the season. Williams naile the conversion.
Penryn though once more scored soon after the restart, undoing all of Launceston’s
hard work. Another unconverted score from the hosts before halftime meant the
visitors went into the break behind despite having a huge portion of possession.
HT 15-12
Launceston continued in the second half working tirelessly to break down the Penryn
defence but buoyed on by the home crowd, they stood firm. Frustration began to
creep in and team cohesion creeped out, handing Penryn the upper hand, which
they took advantage of by grabbing the next all important score.
20-12, Launceston now needed two scores to get back in front. Meanwhile Penryn
were on the hunt to put the game beyond doubt. The Cabettes showed their grit
though and spent the final 10 minutes camped in the Penryn 22. Hammering away at
the line, Penryn’s defence continued to deny Launceston’s onslaught and more
crucially took up valuable time for a second score. With 2 minutes left Upcott came
up trumps and barged over. Williams added the extras to make it a one point game.
The referee gave Launceston hope with time for the restart but a knock on saw an
end to the game and the unbeaten start to the season.
FT: 20-19
Launceston journeyed back up the A30 with just a losing bonus point but with Bath
United also giving up their unbeaten start, the Cabettes still remain top of the table.
Launceston’s next fixture comes in 3 weeks time, 10th November, against Bath
United’s conquerors Hornets Ladies at Polson Bridge.
Forward of the Match: Holly Williams
Back of the Match: Rachel Hicks
Report by: Dan Pearce
