By Dan Pearce at Polson Bridge

WOMEN’S NC 1 SOUTH WEST (WEST)

Launceston 25 Crediton 22

THE hosts made it three wins from three on Sunday with a battling 25-22 success over a fast-paced Crediton outfit.

Launceston knew they needed to come out of the changing rooms firing, and after gaining early territory, Launceston had a scrum deep into the Crediton 22. 

A strong shove from the pack opened up the blindside, giving space for winger Rachel Hicks and the easiest of first scores. The conversion was short.

The Cabettes found their rhythm early and after putting together their phase plays, Holly Williams was able to take full advantage of the unorganised defence and score through the middle (10-0). 

It was Crediton’s turn to show off their attacking ability as they ventured deep into Launceston territory, but a turnover and a booming 50-metre kick from Williams relieved the pressure. 

A knock-on from Crediton’s retreating winger set up perfect field position for Launceston to launch an attack. The Cabettes worked the ball to Hicks for a one-on-one with her opposite number. A shimmy of the hips and she was away down the touchline and in for her second. 

With a 15-0 lead it looked like it could be another high scoring victory for Launceston at this point but the game was turned on its head as, against the run of play, Crediton unleashed their speed demons in the back three with a well-worked move from a scrum which saw the winger run it in from 40 metres.

Launceston seemed in a state of shellshock as the rest of the half was all Crediton. They piled on the pressure and showed Launceston what it takes to be competitive at this level, winning breakdowns and keeping the ball. 

While Launceston’s defence was stout with huge defensive efforts from all, eventually a crack appeared to which full-back Tilly Pulfer took advantage. The conversion missed meaning it was 15-10 at the turnaround.

The second half began as an arm wrestle as both teams knew the next score was vital. Bodies were put to the test as the tackles flew in and the hard runs became harder, and eventually impressive Launceston number eight Emily Kneale had to leave the field with an ankle injury.

Launceston pressed on in search of that next score and it was prop Kim Upcott, who had continuously put the hosts on the front foot all game and was voted the sponsors’ player of the match, that barged through to score.

Crediton though were not about to roll over and almost immediately hit back with a score of their own, again through their 15 (20-15).

The game once more finely balanced heading into the final 10 minutes, but the hosts earned themselves some breathing space.

Following another fine Upcott run which was stopped just short, Joey Bartlett was on hand to finish the job and put them 25-15 ahead.

There was still time for more drama as the Devonians summoned themselves once more, and again it was Pulfer that dotted down for her hat-trick which was converted to ensure a penalty or drop goal would earn Crediton a draw.

However from their final attack, the ball was turned over and the five points stayed at Polson Bridge.

LAUNCESTON: Holly Williams, Rachel Hicks, Meg Tucker, Abbie Smith, Madi Vine, Joey Bartlett, Amy Warman; Mel Ruby, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Meg Arnold, Vicki Doidge, Ellen Armstrong, Caitlin Hancock, Emily Kneale. Replacements: Libbie Cole, Briony Eddy, Abby Matthews, Lauren Carlyon, Abbie Taylor.

Tries: Hicks (2), Williams, Upcott, Barlett; Convs: N/A; Pens: N/A.

Launceston players’ of the match: Forward – Megan Arnold; Back – Madi Vine.