Sun 6 Mar 2022
Launceston Ladies endured their first defeat of the season on Sunday after an epic
battle, worthy of the top of the table clash, away to fellow title contenders Crediton.
There would have been some sore bodies and aching lungs for all players involved
on Monday as both camps left everything they had on the field with Crediton edging
the game, 12-10.
With 30+ players putting the work in at the training ground on Tuesday night, the
Ladies made sure they were prepared for the task ahead and it seems Crediton
equalled Launceston's ambition as both teams started the game with the intensity to
match the occasion. Launceston’s stronger pack looked to assert dominance and at
scrum time it showed as every scrum saw Crediton retreating at a rate of knots only
to be halted due to scrums being restricted to a 1.5m drive. Launceston’s strong ball
carriers doing damage, led by Captain Vicki Diodge and followed up by her
entourage of Mel Ruby and Kim Upcott, making yards all over the field but Crediton’s
speed at the ruck to steal the ball proved a very effective counter tactic, slowing
Launcestons’s momentum time and time again. A great battle of two contrasting
styles of play.
A similar story in the backline with Crediton’s speed outside matched only by the
ferocious defence and tackling of Launceston’s midfield. Every player putting their
bodies on the line, none more prevalent than Joanne Smith, proving size isn't
everything by putting in continuous hits a player twice her size would be proud of.
The breakthrough came in Creditons favour. After a number of phases inside
Launceston’s half and the ladies lungs burning from the graft of defending, Crediton
worked a snippet of a gap and poured through to Launceston’s 22. Some last ditch
defending saw Crediton just short but with Launceston still retreating, Crediton were
able to get the ball away and through to the tryline. Conversion from in front of the
posts unsuccessful, clipping the underside of the crossbar.
Launceston again had to play long spells of defence, with the ladies putting in
crunching hits in search of getting control of the pill but Crediton’s ball retention
proved frustrating. Crediton’s speed proved once again a potent weapon as quick
hands saw the ball into the nippy 13s hands who scythed through a gap and
shimmied her way under the posts. Conversion this time was successful.
The final score of the half deservedly went to Launceston as it was their time to
enjoy some possession. Working the ball through their powerful runners and the
adrenaline flowing in the support runners, not allowing Crediton to get near the ball
at ruck time, Launceston built momentum and phases, increasing the pressure on
Crediton’s defence. Launceston trying every avenue to find a way through Crediton’s
stout defence, eventually deciding to go around the defence where winger Debbie
Cole reached out and scored in the corner. Conversion from Abigail Matthews
agonisingly close from the touch line fell just short.
Half Time - 12-5
The start of the second half resumed the arm wrestle of the contrasting styles with
neither team able to fully break the other down. Both teams upped their physicality
levels with big hits and aggressive running which started to prove in favour of the
more powerful Launceston squad. Reinforcements of April Dawe, Jenna & Megan
Arnold, debutant Emily Kneale, Jenny Samways and Frankie Gilbert all now being
deployed, truly showing Launceston’s strength in depth. Camping in the Crediton
half, and with Crediton starting to give away penalties, Launceston began knocking
on the door of Crediton’s tryline. From an attacking lineout, Launceston and Crediton
both prepared for another round of route one from the forwards. But a spill meant the
ball was shipped to the backs, working themselves wide and creating room for Holly
Williams to score in the corner. The touchline conversion, again a valiant effort just
short.
Launceston with their tails up worked their way back up the field from the kick off and
once again set up post in the Crediton half. Throwing everything but the kitchen sink
at Crediton they hammered away, trying to find a nick in the armour. 5 metres out
Joanne Smith found a slender gap and thought she found room and grounded the
ball for a deserved score but was deemed to be held up. With Crediton’s defence
holding firm, fatigue, injuries, tired bodies and tired minds began to wither
Launceston’s attacking potency and Crediton were able to clear their lines and
mount a final attacking set of their own for the remaining 5 minutes. Launceston’s
defence stood up once more and with the ref calling final play Crediton gladly got rid
of the ball off the park to end the war.
Final Score: 12-10
Both coaches after the match emphasised how proud they were of their respective
teams for giving their absolute all over both fixtures and how far they have grown this
season. Launceston remain top of the table but Crediton have a game in hand so
this league will go down to the wire. The Ladies next fixture is a friendly at Polson
Bridge vs Brixham on 3rd April.
Forward of the Match: Megan Arnold
Back of the Match: Joanne Smith
Report by: Dan Pearce
