FOUR tries from in-form centre Abbie Smith was not enough to overcome a powerful Cullompton outfit who secured survival with their victory.

Launceston’s troubles started before kick off as wing Charlotte Belsey was forced to withdraw from the team and No.8 Nicole Rowland pulled up injured in the warm-up, but it was the Cabettes that got the first points on the board as Smith spun out of a couple of attempted tackles before running in under the posts. Caitlyn Hancock converted.

The injury woes continued as Libbie Cole was helped off the pitch with a dead calf. The rest of the half was all Cullompton as they ran in three unanswered tries, one of which was converted, to lead 17-7 at half-time.

With the next score vital, both teams attacked hard, but it was Cullompton went further clear with a try out wide.

The Cabettes hit back instantly as Smith shrugged off the attempted tackles to run in from 40 metres out. Smith soon completed her hat-trick and brought her team within five points.

Cully then extended their lead following a counter-attack, but the Cabettes’ never-say-die attitude kicked into overdrive and with Smith impossible to contain, she ran in for her fourth.

Hancock, in-form with the boot, brought the Cabettes to within three points in the final five minutes.

Launceston threw everything at the Cully defence, but the home side held firm to see out the win.

The Cabettes’ final game of the season sees them welcome second-bottom Reading Abbey on Saturday.

LAUNCESTON: G Tucker; Matthews, M Tucker, Smith, Vine; Hicks, Warman; Cole, J Arnold, Upcott (capt); M Arnold, Thomas; Harrison, Hancock, Ninnis. Replacements: Risdon, Franks, Eddy, Cowling, Hutchings.

Tries: Smith (4); Convs: Hancock (3); Pens: N/A.

Players-of-the-match: Forward – Josie Ninnis; Back – Abbie Smith.