GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2
DEVON WOMEN 17 – 26 CORNWALL WOMEN
Cornwall Women had to dig deep under a relentless sun in North Tawton to secure top spot in their pool and qualify for the semi-finals of this season’s competition, reports Bill Hooper.
They also defended the Women’s Tamar Cup to make it a double delight for the black and golds.
Cornwall Women certainly had the upper-hand when it came to the scrum, on numerous occasions they shoved the Devon Women back at a rate of knots.
It was Devon who got the early try when their wing Annie Jones squeezed in at the corner for an unconverted try.
Cornwall Women launched numerous attacks from the base of the scrum notably through No.8 Amy Hutchings, but frustratingly, they fell-foul, as did Devon on numerous occasions to the referee’s whistle.
Cornwall did manage to tie the scores when Abby Smith managed to stretch for the line having been tackled just short.
Cornwall thought they had gone ahead when Libbie Cole put in a determined charge to make the line, but once again on the intervention of the Assistant Referee the try was disallowed.
Both Hutchings and Smith again went close to a score, eventually Cole had something to celebrate when she crossed to score Cornwall’s second try, which was converted by Tori Crutchley.
Just before half-time Devon conjured up an unconverted try when centre Boe Minns went over in the corner to leave Cornwall with a narrow 12-10 lead.
After the break Cornwall looked to raise the tempo, Kim Upcott put in some of her trademark drives and came close to scoring, Amy Warman kept the tempo up with her quick taps keeping Cornwall on the front foot. Yellow cards saw Devon lose a couple of players, whilst Cornwall were again denied when Abby Masquelier thought she had scored only to be called back for a forward pass in the build up.
The breakthrough finally came when Georgia Hall slipped a pass to Smith who finished in style, Hall’s conversion gave Cornwall some breathing space, but not for long. Back came Devon as Jones scored her second try with Aoife Underhill adding the extras to make for a tight finish.
Cornwall playing in the right area o0f the field pressed the Devon line with Hutchings and Rosie Ninnis close, before the ball went wide for Masquelier to score the vital try with Hall on the money with the extras.
Devon threw everything at Cornwall during the closing moments but when they were driven into touch the referee blew for time and the Cornish celebrations commenced.
Speaking after the game Cornwall head coach Jo Holden was understandably delighted. “I am really pleased with that performance today given the hot conditions, they gave their all and were determined not to let go of the Tamar Cup. To make the semi-finals again is a great achievement but we now want to go further and make that Twickenham final next weekend.”
Cornwall will be on the road for their semi-final next Sunday when they travel to play North Midlands Women.
Cornwall Women (Launceston unless stated): Rachel Hicks, Suz Franks, Abigail Smith, Tori Crutchley (Truro), Abby Masquelier (Penryn), Faith Rowe (Truro), Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (Capt), Caitlin Milliken (Camborne), Rhiannon Thomas, Rosie Ninnis (Penryn) Alex Hutchings.
Replacements: Jessica Swales (Truro), Jessica Varker (Helston), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Maddie Webber (Camborne), Heather Holmes (Penryn), Michelle Bauer (Camborne), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Sophia Bishop (Camborne).
Cornwall Women scores: Tries Smith 12, 66, Cole 36, Masquelier 75, Cons, Crutchley 13, Hall 67, 76
Referee: Eleanor Clarke (Bristol RRS)
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.