By Dan Pearce

WOMEN’S NC 1 SOUTH WEST (WEST)

Crediton 17 Launceston 22

LAUNCESTON’S surge towards back-to-back promotions was boosted on Sunday after coming back from behind to edge past fellow contenders Crediton.

With just one game in 10 weeks, the Ladies had plenty of time to prepare for what they knew would be a battle against their old rivals as they sought a first win on Crediton soil.

Launceston took the first chance they had as they turned defence into attack and made their way down the slope. Some hard running and quick tempo got them to within five metres of the Crediton line before Kim Upcott picked up and drove the rest of the way under the sticks. Holly Williams nudged the extras.

The Cabettes looked to build on their fast start but Crediton’s defence proved ferocious and effective as they tackled hard and stole the ball at every opportunity.

Their efforts were rewarded in the final play of the half when they found themselves in Launceston's 22 for the first time and clinically came away with a try of their own. The conversion was missed but they were within two points at 7-5.

Buoyed by the close scoreline and the slope going into the second half, it was Crediton’s turn on the front foot and were soon crossing the Launceston’s whitewash once more to take the lead for 10-7.

With Crediton in their purple patch controlling possession, the Cabettes now had to show their defensive resolve. They proved just as defiant as Crediton had been in the first half as no-one shirked their tackles and with Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott and Abbie Smith stealing the ball, home momentum struggled to get going.

Trying to force an attack from deep, the Devonians spilled the ball in contact. Meg Tucker was quick to react as she gathered the loose ball and broke free to steal a score. The conversion was wide but Launceston were in front.

Crediton though weren’t about to relinquish the lead lightly and found their rhythm in their next attack, going on to score and regain the lead.

The all important extras took the score to 17-12 going into the final quarter.

The final 20 minutes of recent matches has been Launceston’s wheelhouse where their fitness and composure has seen them close out games but this is first time they would have to come from behind to do it.

With Crediton bodies weary from battle, Launceston smelt blood and attacked with all they had left. The forwards charged into the defensive line, surging up the field before handing it over to Abbie Smith with enough space to break the line and score out wide. With the touchline conversion falling short, the scores were level.

The Cabettes dug deep to muster one more attack.

Fresh energy from the returning Emily Kneale breaking 50 metres up the field gave Launceston the momentum they needed.

Building phase after phase they shorted the Crediton defence before throwing the ball wide for Tucker to scurry to the five-metre line and scramble the ball to Smith who dove over for that match-winning score.

Launceston then comfortably held out for the final six minutes for a memorable victory.

The Cabettes welcome Bath United on Sunday.

LAUNCESTON: Chloe Samways, Jess Bartlett, Meg Tucker, Abbie Smith, Rachel Hicks, Holly Williams, Amy Warman; Mel Ruby (capt), Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Vicki Doidge, Abby Matthews, Caitlin Hancock, Briony Eddy. Replacements: Libbie Cole, Ann-Marie Risdon, Josie Ninnis, Emily Kneale, Lauren Carlyon, Madi Vine, Gemma Old.

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

Launceston players of the match: Forward – Libbie Cole; Back – Amy Warman.