Sun 20 Feb 2022
Having had a few games postponed or called-off since Christmas, the Launceston Ladies squad were determined to play this weekend come rain or shine and this mentality was clear throughout, leading the ladies to a 55 - 0 win - seemingly undeterred by everything Storm Eunice had to throw at them.
The growing unity between forwards and backs shone through this weekend and the tone was set early on in the game. Following a few well practised phases from the forwards off of the starting kick, Amy Warman was keen to show what the backs could do and sent it seamlessly through the hands of a rapid backline and upon safe arrival to Trish Spokes, out on the wing, the ball was touched down for the first of what was to be a string of team-built tries. A similar play, starting with strong carries from the forwards that pushed Teignmouth's defensive line firmly back in to their half, allowed the backs to align in to the formations they've been working hard on at training and culminated in a beautiful try from Holly Williams. It didn't seem to take long until a determined Launceston side were back in Teignmouth's twenty-two and some serious discipline from notorious 'pick-and-goer' Mel Ruby combined with the direction of Amy Warman meant the ball was back in the hands of the back line, moving with rapidity to Lauren Carlyon who very deservedly scored her first try for Launceston Ladies.
With the team's confidence rising and the enjoyment clearly visible on the ladies' faces, the forwards decided it was their time to show their speed and agility; seeing a string of versatile tries from Kim Upcott, Mel Ruby and Briony Eddy all before the half time whistle blew.
With the ladies now running in to the wind for the second half and the rain threatening to fall, it was time for a change in tactics and the ladies displayed just how disciplined and responsive they can be in trying conditions. Nonetheless, a spectacular starting kick from Joey Sandercock sent the ladies deep in to Teignmouth's half where after another display of strong carrying, secure rucking and exceptional support play, Kim Upcott showed us her full range of skills - not only putting herself in a perfect position to receive a quick ball and fending off a wall of defenders before casting Teignmouth's full back aside but also running the ball along the width of the pitch to touch down beneath the posts!
Teignmouth displayed real risilience in their defence and held Launceston back in their own half for a prolonged amount of time before the ladies returned to the beautiful united play between forwards and backs that had been demonstrated in the first half of the game. Having set up a series of tries throughout the day, it was only right that Amy Warman, having spotted a gap in Teignmouth's defence, could step inside and run in a try of her own.
The last 15 minutes of the game saw Mel Ruby coaching one of our debutants in her forté of 'pick and go,' which saw them run just short of the try line where a quick thinking Teignmouth player scooped the ball quickly, but in slippery conditions soon lost control of the ball, allowing Briony Eddy to pop the ball over the line for her second try of the match and earning her 'forward of the match.' Similarly, 'back of the match' Lauren Carlyon slipped in a second try as the clock ticked down. But finishing off the match in true Mel Ruby style, the rocket prop exploded over the line for the final try of the day.
Despite valiant efforts from both Joey Sandercock and Holly Williams in extremely difficult conditions, no conversions were made on this occasion.
An enormous well done goes out to the two Launceston Ladies debutants, especially Pyper Karkeek who has come up to us from Launceston's own under 18s. Both ladies put in a huge shift and showed that they have a lot to offer the team. A thank you to all of our ladies who kindly supported an injured Teignmouth side by filling in to play, everyone's commitment to the sport makes these fixtures possible - therefore, we are hugely grateful!
By Briony Eddy
