By Dan Pearce

WOMEN’S NC 1 SOUTH WEST (WEST)

Launceston Ladies 29 Hornets Ladies 5

LAUNCESTON Ladies returned to winning ways on Sunday, November 10 as they righted the wrongs of their defeat at Penryn in style with a dominant performance against a tough and well-drilled Hornets outfit.

The Cabettes had to overcome an early scare but with patience and faith in their structures, as well as a whole lot of team spirit, they eventually ran out comfortable 29-5 victors.

On Remembrance Sunday, Launceston Ladies took to the field alongside the Launceston Girls Under 12s keen to start quickly, but the Hornets though came with their own agenda and put the cat amongst the pigeons as they stole the first score inside three minutes when Launceston were caught napping from a quick tap penalty that saw outside-centre Georgia Seviour run in untouched. The conversion was missed but the visitors led 5-0.

Launceston went straight back on the offensive and started hammering away at the Hornets defence.

As at Penryn, they found the Weston-super-Mare-based outfit tough to break down, but the Cabettes, learning from the last match, kept their patience and built the pressure until they were able to work the overlap for Holly Williams to run around the last defender and dot down. Her conversion attempt from out wide was short.

The remainder of the half became a battle with both teams going at it.

Launceston controlled the majority of possession, working tirelessly to break down the defiant Hornets defence, but when the away side had the ball, looked capable of scoring but for some outstanding cover defence from the Cabettes.

On the stroke of half-time, as she so often does, Kim Upcott came up trumps after she found herself one on one with a nervous-lookingfly-half, Sophie Beckham. Through one speed bump she charged on to the line for her first score. Williams' successful kick saw Launceston lead by seven at the break at 12-5.

The battle continued into the second half and with the game poised by the next score, neither team was willing to give a yard.

But, with Launceston continuing to control the majority of possession, the onslaught of defensive work began to take its toll on the Hornets squad as injuries crept in.

Meg Tucker found purchase through the weary bodies as she weaved her way up the field leading to a penalty. A well-executed penalty move worked a charm as Abbie Smith was given acres to run into and score. The conversion was missed.

That score seemed to break the back of the Hornets fight as in the final 15 minutes the Cabettes controlled every aspect of the game and soon picked up another score through a trademark Upcott line break for her brace which put the game beyond the reach of the opposition. The conversion was good from Williams.

The gloss was added to this superb team effort by Tucker scoring a much-deserved try, rounding off a ‘back of the match’ performance in style.

Next up for the Cornish ladies is a top of the table clash with Bath United on Sunday, November 24 (2.30pm), and a strong indicator as to who will be sitting atop the tree at Christmas.

LAUNCESTON LADIES: Chloe Samways, Madi Vine, Meg Tucker, Abbie Smith, Rachel Hicks, Joey Bartlett, Amy Warman; Mel Ruby (capt), Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Meg Arnold, Avril Crabb, Vicki Doidge, Caitlin Hancock, Holly Williams. Replacements: Briony Eddy, Abigail Matthews, Gemma Old, Lauren Carlyon, Ellen Armstrong.

Tries: Williams, Upcott (2), Smith, Tucker; Convs: Williams (2); Pens: N/A.

Launceston players’ of the match: Forward – Kim Upcott; Back – Meg Tucker.