Sun 12 Mar 2023
Launceston's title dreams were put to bed on Sunday as Exeter Athletic
claimed the victory and the league after a convincing 48-0 win against their
only title challengers.
Against a team riddled with Exeter University students, Chiefs Academy
players and the odd England U18 representative, the Cabettes were being
asked a tall order of to turn over this well drilled and heavily coached Exeter
team. Playing on the rubber crumb 4G pitch based at the University Campus,
Exeter were able to unleash their rapid backline and negate the grunt of
Launceston’s strong forward pack.
Launceston got off to the worst possible start as they kicked off to Exeter who
returned the ball with venom. Launceston’s tackling not up to scratch from the
get go, allowing Exeter’s daunting figures to run through the would be
defence. The second row burst through and cantered around Holly Williams to
score under the sticks, Conversion made.
Launceston knew their best chance of staying in this game was to hold on to
the ball. But some ferocious defence from Exeter saw Launceston’s usually
potent hard runners stopped and driven backwards. Exeter regained
possession and again flooded through the Launceston defence. The tackling
improved but were unable to stop the Exeter onslaught as they crashed over
the line for another score within 10 minutes. Conversion missed.
This score seemed to bring the Launceston team to life as the remaining 25
minutes was almost completely played in Exeter territory. Exeter, desperate to
try and get the ball back, flirted with what was legal at the rucks resulting in
numerous penalties being awarded to Launceston. The hits kept coming but
the Cabettes continued like ladies possessed to run harder and harder at the
Exeter defensive line, trying desperately to find a chink in the armour. 3 times
Launceston were held up over the line and could not find that clear path over
for a much deserved score. In the final play of the half Launceston
relinquished the ball and paid the ultimate price as once again Exeter broke
up the field for an easy score under the posts, shattering all of Launceston’s
hard work. Conversion made.
HT: 19-0
Launceston still felt they were in this game and came out for the second half
full of hope and confidence. But it took just 2 minutes for Exeter to compound
their try before halftime with another score and rattle the Cabettes. Conversion
missed.
The Cabettes kept up the good fight, continuing to hold on to possession,
denying Exeter the chance to attack but hit after hit eventually began to take
its toll. Launceston began to cough up the ball and let the Exeter team attack.
Launceston’s defence would hold firm for 3 or 4 phases before the speed of
play by Exeter would find the gap to break through. Launceston’s scramble
defence covered well enough to stop a few attacks but after giving away a
penalty on the 5m line, a quick tap and dive gave Exeter another score.
Conversion missed.
Launceston’s heart and determination never faltered though and continued to
play with everything they had left. But with 10 minutes to play, Launceston's
tank ran dry and Exeter flattered the scoreline with 3 more tries, 2 of which
converted, and left Launceston well and truly beat.
FT: 48-0
Launceston Ladies wish to extend their congratulations to League Winners
Exeter Athletic and wish them all the best for next season. Launceston still
have one final game to complete their league obligations, facing Bideford
away on 9th April.
Back of the Match: Pyper Karkeek
Forward of the Match: Megan Arnold
Report by: Dan Pearce
