Sun 19 Jan 2025
Launceston’s surge towards back to back promotions was boosted on Sunday after edging out fellow contenders and rivals Crediton. A fixture that always excites with fiercely contested rugby and a tight scoreline to set the pulses racing, this matchup saw yet another exhilarating game of rugby with the spoils going to the Cabettes for the first time ever on Crediton soil, coming from behind to record a 17-22 victory.
With 10 weeks and the Christmas Holidays since their last fixture, the Ladies had plenty of time to prepare for what they knew would be a battle. Launceston took the first chance they had as they turned defence into attack and made their way down the slope. Some hard running and quick tempo got them to within 5m of the Crediton line finished by Kim Upcott picking and driving the rest of the way under the sticks. Holly Williams nudged the extras.
The Cabettes looked to build on their fast start but Creditons defence proved ferocious and effective as they tackled hard and stole the ball every chance they had. Their efforts were rewarded in the final play of the half when they found themselves in Launceston's 22 for the first time and clinically came away with a try of their own. Conversion missed.
HT: 5-7
Buoyed by the close scoreline and the slope going into the second half, it was Crediton’s turn on the front foot and were soon crossing the Launceston’s whitewash once more to take the lead. Conversion missed.
With Crediton in their purple patch controlling possession, the Cabettes now had to show their defensive resolve. They proved just as defiant as Crediton had been in the first half as no-one shirked their tackles and with Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott and Abbie Smith stealing the ball, Crediton’s momentum struggled to get going. Trying to force an attack from deep, Crediton spilled the ball in contact. Meg Tucker was quick to react as she gathered the loose ball and broke free to steal a score. Conversion was wide.
Crediton though weren’t about to relinquish the lead lightly and found their rhythm in their next attack, going on to score and regain the lead. The all important extras took the score to 17-12 going into the final quarter.
The final 20 minutes of recent matches has been Launceston’s wheelhouse where their fitness and composure has seen them close out games but this is first time they would have to come from behind to do it. With Crediton bodies weary from battle, Launceston smelt blood and attacked with all they had left. The forwards charged into the defensive line, surging up the field before handing it over to Abbie Smith with enough space to break the line and score out wide. With the touchline conversion falling short, the scores were level.
The Cabettes dug deep to muster one more attack. Fresh energy from the returning Emily Kneale breaking 50m up the field gave Launceston the momentum they needed, building phase after phase they shorted the Crediton defence before throwing the ball wide for Tucker to scurry to the 5m line and scramble the ball to Smith who dove over for that match winning score. Conversion missed. The old heads calmly saw Launceston out for the final 6 minutes for a memorable victory.
FT: 17-22
The Ladies welcome Bath United to Polson Bridge next week in a huge game as the Cabettes look to retain their top of the league status.
Forward of the Match: Libbie Cole
Back of the Match: Amy Warman
Report by: Dan Pearce
