Sun 10 Nov 2024
Launceston Ladies returned to winning ways this weekend as they put right the
wrongs of their previous match in style with a dominant performance against a tough
and well drilled Hornets outfit. The Cabettes had to overcome an early scare but with
patience and faith in their structures, as well as a whole lot of team spirit, they
eventually ran out comfortable 29-5 victors.
On Remembrance Sunday, Launceston Ladies took to the field alongside the U12
future budding Cabettes knowing a team performance was not only needed to beat
this threatening Hornets squad but also required by the coaches and themselves to
prove that their last match was just a blip in the road. The Hornets though came with
their own agenda and put the cat amongst the pigeons as they stole the first score
inside 3 minutes when Launceston were caught napping from a quick tap penalty
that saw the Hornets 13 run in untouched. Conversion missed.
Launceston came straight back on the offensive and started hammering away at the
Hornets defence. As at Penryn though they found the Weston Super Mare outfit
tough to break down. The Cabettes, learning from the last match, kept their patience
and built the pressure until they were able to work the overlap for Holly Williams to
run around the last defender and dot down. Her conversion attempt from out wide
was short though.
The remainder of the half became a battle with both teams going full guns blazing.
Launceston controlled the majority of possession, working tirelessly to break down
the defiant Hornets defence but when they had the ball, looked capable of scoring
but for some outstanding cover defence from the Cabettes. On the stroke of halftime
though Kim Upcott once again for this season came up trumps after she found
herself one on one with a nervous looking 10. Through one speed bump she
charged on to the line for her first score. Williams' successful kick saw Launceston
lead by 7 into the break.
HT: 12-7
The battle continued into the second half and with the game poised by the next
score, neither team was willing to give a yard. But with Launceston continuing to
control the majority of possession, the onslaught of defensive work began to take its
toll on the Hornets squad as injuries crept in. Meg Tucker found purchase through
the weary bodies as she weaved her way up the field leading to a penalty. A well
executed penalty move worked a charm as Abbey Smith was given acres to run into
and score. Conversion missed.
That score seemed to break the back of the Hornets fight as in the final 15 minutes
the Cabettes controlled every aspect of the game and soon picked up another score
through a trademark Upcott line break for her brace and putting the game beyond
the reach of the opposition. Conversion was good from Williams.
The gloss was added to this superb team effort by Meg Tucker scoring a much
deserved try, rounding off a Back of the Match performance in style.
FT: 29-5
The Cabettes re-invigorating their form just in time for their top of the table clash at
Polson Bridge against Bath United on the 24th November. Sure to be an epic battle
and a strong indicator as to who will be sitting atop the tree at Christmas
.
Forward of the Match: Kim Upcott
Back of the Match: Meg Tucker
Report by: Dan Pearce
