Sun 15 Dec 2024
Launceston Ladies wrapped up 2024 in style after battling past a robust Yeovil outfit.
The Cabettes matched the ferocity that Yeovil and their supporters brought but
Abbey Smith proved the difference between the two sides, scoring 5 tries and was
impervious in her defensive efforts, providing a large contribution to the 5-41
scoreline.
Venturing beyond Devon for the first of three long bus journeys this season gave the
Ladies a chance to get used to shaking the travel out of their legs and perform at
their best. The Cabettes took to the field like seasoned pros as it was just 7 minutes
before Abbey Smith grabbed her first score of the day. Conversion missed
But as they are finding in this league, teams are used to competing and Yeovil were
no different as they reaped the rewards of some sustained pressure with a score of
their own.
With the scores tied both sides and the crowd upped the intensity, trying to gain that
upper hand. But with that intensity comes pressure and Yeovil were the first to buckle
as a dropped pass was keenly swept up by Smith who scurried over like the cat that
ate the canary. Holly Williams nudged the extras.
Yeovil once more tried upping the intensity, even more through their physicality but
the Cornish Maids were not about to shirk the challenge and met them at every
collision with Meg Arnorld hammering the Yeovil runners and Caitlin Hancock
chopping everything that moved. Penalties started to creep in though as some of the
control was lost and eventually the Yeovil second row saw yellow for a hair pull. That
halftime whistle sounding more like a kettle being taken off the boil.
HT: 5-12
Once again Launceston found themselves in a battle going into the second half but
the Cabettes were comfortable in that position as they knew they had the fitness and
the squad to see them to victory. Strong running from Kim Upcott, Briony Eddy and
Vicki Doidge continuously broke the gainline and after a surge down field was halted
just a few metres from the line, Amy ‘Podge’ Warman gave the defence no time to
get back onside and darted over for her score. Conversion missed.
Abbey Smith though broke the back of Yeovil’s fight with her third and forth score,
both from 40m out and seemingly unstoppable with ball in hand. Williams added a
conversion for good measure
The Cabettes kept their foot on the throat and showed a killer instinct to keep
scoring. Once more Launceston's runners ventured deep into Yeovil’s 22. Utility
player Abi Matthews hit the line like a seasoned pro forward straight through a gap
and dotted down for her first score of the season. Conversion missed.
The game was done but Abbey Smith was not as she decided a fifth try was needed
to round off her day. Williams slotted the extras to finish the scoring.
FT: 5-41
Launceston’s next fixture is the 19th January as they travel to rivals Crediton.
The Cabettes wish all their sponsors and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Forward of the Match: Vicki Doidge
Back of the Match: Abbey Smith
Report by: Dan Pearce
