Sun 16 Oct 2022
The Cabettes make it 2 wins from 2 and another clean sheet this weekend as
they beat a fiercely physical Bideford side 15-0 at Polson Bridge.
Coach Martin Sandercock’s words were simple in the pre-match huddle; ‘Do
NOT underestimate these girls’ and Bideford proved his words wise as they
gave Launceston their most physically challenging game this season. Armed
with a large pack that hit hard, coupled with a well drilled defensive line,
Bideford seemed to keep Launceston’s normally free running strong ball
carriers under a degree of control.
Launceston started the game with Martin’s words obviously still ringing in their
ears as they came out to put some early pressure on the Bideford team.
Strong runs from the musketeers Mel Ruby, Kim Upcott and birthday girl Vicki
Doidge, kept breaking the gain line just enough to inch up the field. Eventually
Launceston found themselves in a position to strike. With a number of picks
and goes, Lyn Pridham found that hole for the second game in a row to dot
down. Conversion out wide missed.
Bideford had a clear game plan which they executed very well; be physical,
disrupt the rucks and steal the ball. This slowed the ball down for scrum half
Amy Warman which meant Launceston could not find their fast paced game
they are used to. But once Bideford had the ball it gave Launceston’s
formidable defence a chance to return the physicality. Debutant Lizzie Crocker
showed what it takes to be a Cabette, putting in monsterous hits far greater
than her slight stature would deem possible and Emily Kneale, taking a black
eye in the process, making her presence known in the centre cutting off any
chance of their backs getting going, to name a few in an outstanding team
defensive effort.
The next score came 5 minutes from half time. Bideford strayed just the wrong
side of the law at a few rucks as they started to give away some penalties,
allowing Joey Sandercock to punt the team down the pitch. With an attacking
lineout 10m from the try line, the maul was halted by the Bideford pack.
Launceston employed their tried and tested method, Kim Upcott, to smash her way over the whitewash. Conversion missed
Half Time: 10-0
The second half saw a number of personnel changes, including the much
anticipated debut for coach Alex Smith in an unfamiliar position of flanker,
although you wouldn’t have known it. It took 30 seconds for her to make an
impact. After helping stop a Bideford exit from kick off, Launceston won a
penalty and kicked to the corner. Once again Bideford’s pack holding firm at
the maul, the ball was moved to Alex hitting a line and breaking through the
defence to score. Conversion missed.
There were inevitable injuries from this ferocious encounter and with all the
changes being rung, both teams found it hard to get their attacks going. That,
coupled with the incoming rain turning the ball into a bar of soap, meant keeping hold of possession was the priority for both teams.
As the half went on Bideford, in search of that first score, seemed to keep
possession better and gained territory, putting Launceston’s defence to the
strictest of tests. Helped by Rhiannon Thomas seemingly winning every
lineout for both teams! And Holly William’s cannon right foot clearing their
lines, Launceston’s defence held on to earn that impressive clean sheet.
Final Score 15-0
A battle to say the least but with only a week to ice those knocks, the Cabettes
make the trip to Totnes with hopes of continuing their winning ways.
Back of the Match: Amy Warman
Forward of the Match: Rhiannon Thomas
Report by: Dan Pearce
