AFTER a gladiatorial match against a fired up Yeovil team looking to spoil the party, Launceston matched and bettered their ferocity to run out convincing 36-0 winners and pop the champagne with a game to spare, writes Dan Pearce.

The changing rooms seemed eerily quiet with nervous energy pre-match as the Cabettes prepared to write their names into Cornwall Women’s rugby folklore by being the first Cornish outfit to compete at Championship level next season.

Launceston took to the field with a steely eyed focus to take control of the game from kick off and with steam rollers Kim Upcott and Mel Ruby firing on all cylinders, they were instantly on the charge. The space they created was exploited well by Meg Tucker as she glided her way through for the opening score. Holly Williams added the extras and Launceston were off to the perfect start.

The Cabettes were wary of the Yeovil scrum having caused some serious issues in the reverse fixture but in the absence of forwards coach Alex Bartlett, the Launceston pack did him proud as the first scrum of the game drove the Yeovil forwards backwards. A huge psychological boost, paired with Launceston’s tempo and ferocity, all the momentum was in their favour.

Rhian Thomas and Jenna Arnorld with more steam rolling for Launceston opened up more gaps, this time Abbie Smith taking full advantage to cross the line. Conversion wide.

Tries from stalwart Vicki Doidge and mercurial Holly Williams rewarded Launceston’s excellent team play and secured the all important bonus point before halftime (24-0).

The second half turned into an arm wrestle with Yeovil searching for a way back into the game and Launceston trying to close it out. A huge defensive effort was needed to keep Yeovil at bay with Meg Arnorld and Emily Kneale making big hits in the centre of the field as well as Smith and Madi Vine’s tackling in the wide channels.

20 minutes in, a cover tackle from wing replacement Lauren Carlyon dislodged the ball from a Yeovil attack and with the bounce kindly falling to Abbie Smith, she gladly raced the 70m to the tryline. William’s converted.

Five minutes later she completed her hat trick and her 8th try against Yeovil this year as she broke down the blindside and went in untouched to dot down. Conversion went wide. Launceston were able to see out the remainder of the match with a clean sheet and once the final whistle went, the jubilations began.

Launceston still have one more league fixture to complete their season which will see them visit Newton Abbot but their attention turns to next weekend when they defend their Cornwall Cup title at Penryn.

Launceston: 15 Chloe Samways, 14 Rachel Hicks, 13 Megan Tucker, 12 Abigail Smith, 11 Madison Vine, 10 Holly Williams, 9 Amy Warman; 1 Melanie Ruby, 2 Jenna Arnold, 3 Kimberley Upcott, 4 Megan Arnold, 5 Vicki Doidge, 6 Rhiannon Thomas, 7 Caitlin Hancock, 8 Briony Eddy.

Replacements: 16 Libbie Cole, 17 Ann-Marie Risdon, 18 Jess Harrison, 19 Emily Kneale, 20 Lauren Carlyon, 21 Abigail Matthews, 22 Ellen Armstrong.

Forward of the Match: Vicki Doidge

Back of the Match: Holly Williams