Sun 23 Jan 2022
Launceston Ladies make it 5 wins from 5 in the league after a hard hitting
away game to a spirited Totnes team.
With their last competitive fixture coming against Bude back in November and
with only a couple of friendly fixtures vs non-league Truro/Camborne
development teams played since, Launceston could have been forgiven for
being a little rusty to start with. From the start, Launceston's direct playing
style and strong running meant they took up early field position in the Totnes
half but little over ambition to get the ball wide meant Totnes defence were
able to drift and hold Launceston out.
The breakthrough came in the 8th minute after a string of penalties conceded
by Totnes kept them pinned in their 22. Launceston strung together a number
of phases through the forwards drawing in defenders, the backs jumping in to
aid their forwards in the hard yards proved dividends as Holly Williams was
able to go over from an uncharacteristically short distance. Conversion
agonisingly close from Abigail Matthews, striking the crossbar on the angle.
Launceston, already growing in confidence, began to up the tempo, forcing
Totnes to give away yet more penalties and subsequently territory. The ladies
now using the backs in the outside channels, giving room for Mia Wray to
wriggle her way over for a score. Conversion cooley slotted by Holly Williams.
Towards the end of the first half, Totnes played their purple patch and forced a
number of penalties out of the Ladies but still couldn’t find a way out of their
own half. In the final plays of the half, Launceston took back control of the ball
and worked the ball deep into the Totnes 22. Sarah Revers forced her way
over the try line only to be held up. From the resulting goal drop out,
Launceston fired straight back into the 22. The pressure finally told as Totnes
gave away another penalty, this time in front of the posts. With the referee
calling final play, Abigail Matthews duly stepped up and slotted the 3 points.
Half time score: 0-15
Launceston Started the second half as they ended the first, throwing
everything at the Totnes 22 and after a knock on from Totnes, a well worked
move from the resulting scrum created room for Joanne Smith to sythe
through the defence and score. Conversion just wide
The intensity from both sides started to increase as big tackles and hard hits
started flying in with a couple resulting in players needing a minute to shake it
off. Totnes, using their physicality to get into Launceston’s half but the ever
present wall of defence from the blacks meant Totnes had no way through.
After a turn over, Launceston turned defence into quick attack through the
ever reliable Kim Upcott requiring a number of players to get her to deck and
with the backs finding continuity in their handling, Launceston surged up the
field. A number of pick and go attempts drew in defenders allowing Vicki
Diodge room to burst through a gap and score. Conversion successful from
Abigail Matthews.
From the kick off, Launceston marched right back up the field making an
almost carbon copy of the previous try, this time Mel Ruby bursting over the
tryline. A slip from Joey Sandercock meant her conversion attempt struck the
upright.
With Totnes tiring and Launceston brimming with confidence, all players
became threats. Sisters Jenna and Megan Arnold providing turnovers and
hard running all over the park, April Dawe proving a handful to tackle, Briony
Eddy a nuisance at ruck time and Lynn Pridham putting in yet another shift of
pure graft, Launceston’s pack are a force to be reckoned with.
Again Launceston finding themselves deep in the Totnes half, Amy ‘Podge’
Warman used her experience to take a quick tap and pop to Mel Ruby who
powered over for her second score. Conversion Successful by Joey
Sandercock.
The final Score of the game saw the versatile Mel Ruby provide a deft kick
over the top and in behind the Totnes defence, forcing the winger to carry over
and touch the ball down resulting in a 5m Scrum to Launceston. From the
scrum, Launceston’s back run a lovely move to give Kate ‘Scatty’ Barrett room
to run in the corner. A superb conversion from out wide capped off a brilliant
performance by Coach’s Player of the Match Joey Sandercock. Final Score:
0-46
Coach Martin Sandercock described the second half as ‘the best he’s seen
the girls play’ and rightly so as the team gelled together, playing superbly
together and grinding out another win. The Ladies next league fixture is away
to Teignmouth, take the chance to see these amazing girls, any travelling
support will be greatly appreciated.
Forward of the Match: Mel Ruby
Back of the Match: Joanne Smith
Coaches Player of the Match: Joey Sandercock
