Hicks' last-gasp try gives Cabettes' thrilling victory

PULSES were raised, nerves were tested and everyone at Polson Bridge were on their feet on Sunday as Rachel Hicks’ last-gasp try ensured Launceston Ladies snatched victory with the final play of the game.

On Remembrance Sunday, both sets of players honoured the fallen before kick-off with two minutes of silence and a touching rendition of ‘The Last Post’ performed by a Bath team member.

Two years after the two clubs met where both games were tight affairs, the sides met in North Cornwall again to restart their rivalry.

However, the Somerset side didn’t waste time drawing first blood, crossing for an unconverted try inside five minutes.

The rest of the half remained scoreless, but by no means uneventful, as both teams attacked and defended with ferocious intensity. Some heroic defending kept Bath at bay and Launceston’s attack were often thwarted by the visitors’ line speed.

The Cabettes’ came out for the second half knowing the next score was vital as both defences ensured this would be a low-scoring affair. Lock Vicki Doidge came up with the

goods as she finished off a prolonged spell of pressure from Launceston by breaking through a gap and reaching over the line. Caitlyn Hancock added the all-important extras.

The intensity and atmosphere around the ground began to build as the game felt like it was balanced on a knife edge, and with both defences not giving an inch, a moment of brilliance was needed to break the deadlock. Fly-half Meg Tucker, ever the player to deliver in the big moments, produced just the tonic required as she weaved her way through the defensive line and outpaced the full-back to dive over and give Launceston the advantage. To add to the edgy atmosphere, Hancock’s conversion rattled the crossbar.

Bath were not down and out yet as they mounted their next attack. The Launceston defence initially held firm, but eventually the away side found a way over the line. An excellent conversion under pressure meant the scores were tied going into the final quarter.

As the minutes rolled on the tension around the ground grew. The pressure increased with every catch and every pass, while everybody knew a single mistake could cost dearly.

Going into the final few minutes, Launceston held possession and mounted one final attack in the pursuit of that game-winning score. Huge pressure was put on every carry as Bath sacrificed bodies to halt Launceston at the gain line.

Under that pressure though, the Cabettes produced a diamond as the forwards narrowed the defence enough for the backs to throw the ball out to replacement Hicks who dived over the line to the delight of the home side.

The Cabettes, who are now up to fourth having won three of their five outings, have a much-deserved rest week before making their second shortest journey of the season to mid-table Cullompton on Sunday, November 22.

LAUNCESTON LADIES: Grace Tucker; Jenna Cowling, Poppy Jennings, Madi Vine, Katie Murrin; Meg Tucker, Amy Warman; Jess Harrison, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott (capt); Megan Arnold, Vicki Doidge; Abigail Matthews, Caitlyn Hancock, Alex Hutchings. Replacements: Ann-Marie Risdon, Charlotte Belsey, Josie Ninnis, Chloe Samways, Nicole Rowland, Bethan Ayling, Rachel Hicks.

Tries: Doidge, M Tucker, Hicks; Convs: Hancock (2); Pens: N/A.

Launceston players’-of-the-match: Forward – Caitlyn Hancock; Back – Katie Murrin.