Can't put this as a Match Report - but it doesn't matter because it's so special and the Ladies' win so historically important it deserves it's own article. Congratulations Ladies and than you Dan for your report.
Launceston Ladies Tournament Report
Inaugural Women's Cornwall Cup
County Champions!!
On Sunday 24th March, Launceston Ladies headed to Truro RFC as 1 of 5 teams
vying for the title ‘Champions of Cornwall’. The shortened match (20 minutes games)
and round robin style format of the tournament, coupled with the presence of
Trelawny's Army getting in voice for the Mens and Womens County Championships
seasons ahead, the day proved to be a huge success and advertisement that
women's rugby in Cornwall is in a very good place.
Launceston faced stiff competition in the forms of; The Cornish Babas, an invitational
team with some of Cornwall's best female players; Penryn, who currently ply their
trade in the league above the Cabettes; Helston, a team that gave Launceston their
closest league match of the year so far and hosts Truro, flying high in their first
season in the league below and clearly growing stronger very quickly.
Game 1 vs Cornish Babas
A tough fixture to start the day as the Babas brought the game and the physicality
straight to the Cabettes. After a very sporadic February and March in terms of actual
game time, Launceston took a moment to find their rhythm. The Babas made
numerous visits to Launceston’s 22 but the Cabettes defended strongly and with
Vicki Doidge stealing the ball for fun, they were able to hold the Babas out. The
rhythm soon came though as Launceston tore up with ball in hand. A brace from
Abbie Smith as well as scores from Joey Sandercock and Kim Upcott,
complemented by 2 conversions from Holly Williams gave Launceston the perfect
start but they now knew they were in for a tough tournament.
FT: 24-0
Game 2 vs Penryn
Launceston were soon back in action against higher league Penryn. That higher
league experience proved a tougher nut to crack, alongside a few players still reeling
from the physicality of the previous match Launceston had to be patient and break
down the organised defence. A second clean sheet and unconverted tries from
Sandercock and Meg Arnold were enough to see them 2 from 2.
FT: 10-0
Game 3 vs Helston
The Cabettes caught a second wind in their third match and with still having to play
Helston in the league later this season, had a point to prove against their league
counterparts. Emily Kneale especially proved her point with a performance worthy of
her Forward of the Tournament award, scoring a try and setting up another by
bumping off 4 would-be defenders to set Sandercock off for her third try of the
tournament. 2 more tries from Caitlyn Hancock and Amy ‘Podge’ Warman
accompanied by 2 conversions from Williams rounded off a strong penultimate
performance, once again without conceding a point.
FT: 24-0
Game 4 vs Truro
The final game and the County Championship Title in sight but hosts Truro stand in
their way. They sit second in the league below and have been producing stand out
performances of late so Launceston knew they couldn't take this game for granted.
Buoyed by the prospect of becoming Champions of Cornwall, the Cabettes left
everything they had on the pitch. Launceston’s impervious defence was once again
left unbreached alongside their attack firing on all cylinders with tries from Holly
Williams, Kim Upcott, Amy Warman and Ellen Armstrong and 2 conversions from
Williams meant Launceston were crowned County Cup Champions!
FT: 24-0
A huge congratulations to Launceston Ladies, earning their first bit of silverware of
the season and now boast the title of Cornwall County Champions. A proud day for
Launceston Rugby Club. The Cabettes look to add League Champions to their
honours this year as a win in their next league fixture will secure the title
Izzy Ninnis photos of the first Cornwall Ladies Championship Facebook
