Sun 7 Nov 2021
Launceston Ladies Match Report
07/11/2021 vs Totnes
Launceston Ladies made it three wins from three matches this
weekend against a tough Totnes side eventually running out 41-5
victors.
With Launceston’s less than convincing 10-5 win away to Bideford a
couple of weeks ago and Totnes putting 80+ points on Teignmouth
the same weekend, this was always going to be a tough fixture.
Totnes started the better of the two sides with long periods of
possession and phase play but could not break the Launceston
defensive wall. Against the run of play Launceston strung together a
few forward phases before shipping the ball to the backs, allowing
debutant 12 Megan Armstrong a chance to show what she’s
capable of. Breaking through a number of attempted tackles to
make her way to the tryline. Conversion was missed.
From the restart, Totnes resumed in their superb control of
possession and made their way into Launceston’s 22. Phase after
phase, Totnes threw all they had to Launceston’s defense and it
looked like they would hold firm until Totnes number three found her
way through a gap to score a deserved try for the visitors.
Conversion missed.
This score seemed to bring Launceston to life as they found
themselves with a bit of ball and territory. Launceston fell into their
structure, constructing phases and making ground. The ball
eventually found its way to Mel Ruby who powered her way, with
the help of her pack, to a score. Conversion Missed
With a taste for scoring still on the lips of the Launceston players it
took less than a minute to taste it again as Holly Williams was able
to go the length from near enough the restart. Conversion missed
The halftime score stayed at 15-5 arguably against the run of play.
Launceston started the second half as they ended the first, gaining
control of the ball making good yards down the right hand side for
the ball to be swung back left to impressive centre Megan
Armstrong to score her second try. Conversion in front of the post
successful by Holly Williams.
For the following 15 minutes Totnes took control of the ball and held
on to it for long periods, just unable to break through some at times
ferocious tackling from the Launceston wall. Launceston were
finally able to get hold of the ball and unleash Holly Williams again
to run 50m to score her second. Conversion missed.
On the 65th minute Launceston started to realise they had superior
backs capable of scoring from anywhere and a lovely score
demonstrated that as Launceston break out of their 22. A back and
forth between Holly Williams and Lauren Carlyon saw them pick off
players one by one before the final pass to that girl Holly to run in
for her Hat-trick! To cap it off she converted her own score. Well
done Holly.
Launceston now fully in control of the game and starting to play
some fine rugby. The final score of the game came from a brilliant
individual effort from replacement second row Jodie Samways.
Totnes leaving a ruck unprotected on the halfway line, Jodie simply
picked the ball out, broke down the left side, beating the full back
and her legs just carrying her the 51m to flop over the tryline.
Superb try! The conversion on the angle was successful by
returning full back Abigail Matthews.
Launceston saw out the game with their control of the second half,
making yards and playing like a side full of confidence after riding
out the Totnes first half storm. Final Score 41-5
Two weeks time sees the top of the table clash, as well as THE
local derby, Bude vs Launceton at Bencoolen Meadows. After
Budes 94-0 win against Teignmouth this weekend, this shall prove
to be a belter of a game. Get behind these mighty ladies and come
show your support at Bude on 21st November. Come on you
blacks!
Back of the Match: Megan Armstrong
Forward of the Match: Mel Zillwood
Coaches Back of the Match: Joey Sandercock
Coaches Forward of the Match : Mel Ruby
Report by Dan Pearce
