By Dan Pearce

WOMEN’S NC 2 SOUTH WEST (WEST)

Bude Ladies 7 Launceston Ladies 33

AFTER two years of being made to settle for second place, Launceston Ladies have finally topped the pile and earned the title of league champions by continuing their perfect record with a 33-7 win against local rivals Bude. 

This being a rearranged fixture, unfortunately a number of Bude’s cohort had other arrangements on what was meant to be a free weekend and with a couple of pull outs on the day as well, Bude’s team sheet consisted of just 11 players. 

Both teams though were eager to get a game played and make the most of the sunny weather, so the game was cut to 20-minute halves and Launceston matched Bude’s numbers. 

With Bideford having played all their games and completed their season last weekend, they sat a point ahead of Launceston in the table, meaning Launceston needed just two points from their final two games.

Holly Williams eased all that pressure in the first play of the game when Bude looked to play wide from the kick off. Williams read the pass and intercepted to run untouched to the sticks. Adding the extras to her own try for good measure, she made it 7-0.

From the restart Launceston got straight onto the front foot and worked their way back into Bude’s half. Some hard running and well-organised phase play set up room for Meg Arnold to dive over for her score. Williams struck a lovely kick for the extras. 

But this local derby was never going to be plain sailing. Bude competed fiercely at the breakdown and looked dangerous with ball in-hand. Launceston knew with the likes of Lisa Allin and Tia Larson roaming around the pitch, Bude were not to be underestimated. 

The next 15 minutes was a lung busting back and forth between the sides with the Seasiders venturing deep into Launceston’s 22 on occasion.

But for some superb cover defence from Ellen Armstrong and Joey Sandercock and Abbie Smith working overtime to cover the wide channels, Bude looked like they could score at any moment. 

On the stroke of half-time though, Launceston attacked out from deep in their own half. Emily Kneale picked a pass out wide and proceeded to run it straight through to the try line from 60 metres out. Williams added the extras from in front for a handsome half-time lead. 

The second half got underway and with the changes rung, Launceston looked to put this game to bed.

But it was Bude that dealt the first blow to keep them in the game when Larson got loose and galloped into open space to score only the third try against the Cabettes all season. Ellie Gregory calmly knocked over the extra two. 

But straight from the restart the deficit was back to 21. Bude allowed the restart to hit the deck and the wicked bounce found Meg Tucker. Without breaking stride she slalomed her way around the stunned home defence.

Launceston kept the changes coming in the hopes to keep fresh legs on to run Bude off the park, but found the hosts in defiant mood. 

It took time and patience for the Cabettes to work their next score as Joey Sandercock got on the outside of the defence and ran it round to dot down under the sticks. Williams, on point with the boot, added the extras. 

Abby Matthews missed out on a last-minute score when the official deemed there to be a knock-on, but it didn’t matter as Launceston were crowned champions.

Launceston welcome Helston in their final game on Sunday (2.30pm).