GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2
HAMPSHIRE WOMEN 41 – 19 CORNWALL WOMEN
By Bill Hooper
Cornwall Women will probably reflect on what might have been with four tries held up over the Hampshire line, whilst the score-line points to a comfortable Hampshire win, it was anything but.
Cornwall were caught cold from the kick-off with Hampshire’s scrum-half Hannah Kemmish scoring after just 4 minutes. Moments later the homeside scored again when centre Rose Brown scored and converted her own try for a 12-0 lead.
Cornwall reacted with several pick & goes near the Hampshire line before prop Libbie Cole powered over with Georgia Hall adding the conversion.
Cornwall continued to enjoy good possession with Kim Upcott and Roberta Smith Scotland prominent, but they were foiled by the Hampshire defence.
Hampshire bagged a third try before half-time scored by hooker Ciera Fory following good work from No.8 Natasha Bullock.
Cornwall were again caught cold at the start of the second half when wing Rhiannon Powell scored in the corner.
Cornwall needed a score and it came from a quick tap from scrum-half Amy Warman, the ball went wide to wing Tia Larson who scored.
Flanker Izzy Burrows put in some big drives as Cornwall looked for another score instead it was Hampshire’s Sam King who crossed the whitewash to stretch the lead.
In the final 10 minutes Keeta Rowlands scored a couple of tries either side of a score for Cornwall from skipper Amy Bunt bettered by Hall.
Next Saturday Cornwall travel to Kingsholm to play Gloucestershire Women who were well beaten by Devon 50-12 at Brixham on Saturday.
Cornwall Women (Launceston unless stated): Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Tia Larson (Bude), Abigail Smith, Georgia Hall (Penryn), Megan Tucker, Megan Okey (Ivybridge),Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Teigan Aitken (Penryn), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Rhiannon Thomas, Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Izzy Burrows (Truro), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Devonport Services).
Replacements: Jenna Arnold, Jessica Ann Varker (Helston), Josie Ninnis, Vinnie James (Bude), Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Faith Rowe (Camborne), Lisa Allin (Bude), Suz Franks
Cornwall scores: Tries, Cole 16, Larson 53, Bunt 77, Cons, Hall 17, 78
Cornwall Star Player: Izzy Burrows
