Sun 16 Feb 2025
A game that was worthy of the wait as the Ladies faced off against Bath United on Sunday and entertained a bumper crowd with a 21-7 victory over a skilled and physical outfit. Coach Jimmy Tucker described the performance as one of the most complete he’s seen during his tenure and it needed to be to overcome the quality of the opposition.
With a large fan base in attendance, Launceston took to the field knowing a win against their fellow contenders would tighten their grip on the top spot of the league table and only a big shift from the entire squad could achieve it. The Cabettes though were denied their trademark fast start as Bath showed they meant business by assuming early possession and field position. Launceston stood firm under the initial pressure and the rest of the opening 20 minutes saw both teams trade blows with Launceston twice being held up over the tryline but neither side was able to land a score. It took a multi-phase attack for Launceston to finally break the deadlock and score the only points of the first half as Meg Tucker found an opening after the forwards had crashed and battered their way into Bath’s 22. Holly Williams kicked the extras.
HT: 7-0
Although the scoreboard was low, both teams were playing some scintillating rugby at times with the defences working overtime to thwart the attacks. Launceston's power runners were making yards but Bath’s speed at the breakdown constantly put a stop to the Cabettes momentum. Bath also showed great potency in attack and, if not for Rachel Hicks, Madi Vine and Chloe Samways superb cover tackles in the wide channels, could easily have racked up a few scores. All that pressure eventually took its toll as Bath’s fullback cut a line to a score. Conversion was good.
The combination of Emily Kneale and Rhian Thomas coming off the bench is proving as impactful as designed. Kneale making the initial break down the field set Launceston in prime location for Thomas to pierce through from 5m after a few more phases to regain the lead. Williams added the key extras.
With fresh legs on, Launceston were able to keep the intensity high as Bath began to fade and it wasn’t long before the Cabettes were back into Bath’s 22. The grunt work from the forwards was eventually rewarded as Williams stepped inside her opposite number and dove over for some breathing room and added the 2 points to her own score for good measure.
Bath though were not about to roll over and made Launceston's defence work overtime. The Cabettes defended their line as if their lives depended on it leaving nothing in the tanks. The pressure and fatigued seemed to be creeping in as big hitter Meg Arnold saw yellow for a miss time high tackle and for the remaining 7 minutes Launceston were down to 14. Launceston though once more held firm and with the clock in the red, a Bath attack was fumbled and the ball fell to Abbie Smith. The crowd cheering as she sprinted into the open with tired legs, Bath’s covering defence caught up 5 metres out. A last gasp pass was unable to find hands bringing an end to a thrilling game.
FT: 21-7
3 games in 3 weeks as Launceston travel to 2nd placed Weston-Super-Mare Hornets next weekend. A win would all but secure a second consecutive league title.
Forward of the Match: Mel Ruby
Back of the Match: Chloe Samways
Report by: Dan Pearce
