By Dan Pearce

WOMEN’S NC 1 SOUTH WEST (WEST)

Launceston 21 Bath United 7

LAUNCESTON continue to close in on successive promotions after seeing off nearest challengers Bath United 21-7 at Polson Bridge.

A bumper home crowd were treated to a superb game of rugby against a skilled and physical outfit, with Cabettes coach Jimmy Tucker later describing the performance as ‘one of the most complete’ he’s seen during his tenure.

Bath enjoyed plenty of possession and field position in the early stages, but Launceston stood firm and weresoon twice held up over the try-line.

It took a multi-phase attack for Launceston to finally break the deadlock and score the only points of the first half as centre Meg Tucker found an opening after the forwards had crashed and battered their way into Bath’s 22. Holly Williams kicked the extras for 7-0.

Both teams were playing some scintillating rugby at times with the defences working overtime.

Launceston's power runners were making yards but Bath’s speed at the breakdown constantly put a stop to the Cabettes momentum.

Bath also showed great potency in attack, only to be denied by Rachel Hicks, Madi Vine and Chloe Samways’ superb cover tackles in the wide channels.

But all that pressure eventually took its toll as full-back Molly Daniel cut a line to a score. The conversion was good for 7-7.

The combination of Emily Kneale and Rhian Thomas coming off the bench is proving as impactful as designed and they combined for Launceston’s second try.

Kneale made the initial break down the field for Thomas to pierce through from five metres after a few more phases. Williams added the key extras (14-7).

With fresh legs on, Launceston were able to keep the intensity high as Bath began to fade and it wasn’t long before the Cabettes were back in their 22.

The grunt work from the forwards was eventually rewarded as Williams stepped inside her opposite number and dove over for some breathing room and added the two points to her own score for good measure.

But Bath responded once more and made Launceston's defence work overtime. The Cabettes defended their line as if their lives depended on it, leaving nothing in the tank.

The pressure and fatigued seemed to be creeping in as Meg Arnold saw yellow for a mistimed high tackle and for the remaining seven minutes Launceston were down to 14. Launceston though once more held firm and with the clock in the red, a Bath attack was fumbled and the ball fell to Abbie Smith.

She got to within five metres of the Bath line before being tackled, but despite the ball not going to hand, the job was done.

Launceston, who are three points clear with a game in-hand, are in action for the third successive week on Sunday as they head to Weston-super-Mare to tackle second-placed Hornets where a win would all but secure successive league titles.

LAUNCESTON: Chloe Samways, Rachel Hicks, Abbie Smith, Meg Tucker, Madi Vine, Holly Williams, Amy Warman; Mel Ruby (capt), Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Meg Arnold, Vicki Doidge, Abigail Matthews, Caitlyn Hancock, Briony Eddy. Replacements: Libbie Cole, Ann-Marie Risdon, Jess Harrison, Jess Bartlett, Emily Kneale, Rhian Thomas, Ellen Armstrong.

Tries: Tucker, Thomas, Williams; Convs: Williams (3); Pens: N/A.

Players of the match: Forward – Mel Ruby; Back – Chloe Samways.