GILL BURNS CUP
CORNWALL WOMEN 10 – 27 DORSET & WILTS WOMEN
A couple of late tries from the visitors settled this entertaining opening round Gill Burns Cup tie, reports Bill Hooper from Polson Bridge.
Cornwall began well scoring an early try through flanker Anna Clooke.
Despite good periods of possession, Cornwall couldn’t build on their early score.
Scrum-half Amy Warman distributed well from scrums and rucks getting her line moving.
Former England Under 20 prop Michaella Roberts drove hard making some good ground.
Dorset & Wilts struck back before half-time to level matters with a try to leave it 5-all at the break.
The visiors took the lead in the second half before Cornwall centre Lauren Chenoweth, one of Cornwall’s stand- out performers on the day, tied the scores with an unconverted try.
It was nip and tuck until Dorset & Wilts got a third try. Cornwall then lost the influential Chenoweth to the bin.
The visitors then went on to score two late tries, with one converted to seal the win.
All the Cornwall girls can be proud of their efforts. Special mention to Michaella Roberts and skipper Zeta Penrose also Verity Waters in the pack, whilst outside Amy Bunt, Emma Stefanotti and Frankie Perry caught the eye with some good runs.
Speaking after the game Cornwall Women’s team manager Lorrie Osman was proud of the side’s performance. She said. “I was delighted with the girls all round game today, last season we lost heavily to them, so to hold them until the last ten minutes was very encouraging.
“I look forward to next Sunday’s game against Somerset at Taunton, the girls can travel with belief that they can get the rewards they deserve.”
After the game all the women plus some of last season’s squad received their player’s ties from CRFU President Peter James.
The Women are back in action this Sunday against Somerset at Taunton RFC, kick-off 2:30 pm.
Cornwall: Frankie Perry (Bude & Plymouth Albion), Emma Stefanotti (Bude & Plymouth Albion), Jo Roberts (Plymstock AO), Lauren Chenoweth (Penryn), Amy Bunt (Liskeard-Looe & Plymouth Albion), Shannon Hocking (Plymstock AO), Amy Warman (Liskeard-Looe & Plymouth Albion); Michaella Roberts (Bristol Bears), Zeta Penrose (Capt), Clare Matthews (both Penryn), Rachel Shackleton, Alex Gallagher (both Bude), Verity Waters, Anna Clooke, Jo Holden (all Plymouth Albion).
Replacements: Mel Ruby (Bude), Claire Hannigan, Lucia Honey (both Plymstock AO), Katie Bosustow (Penryn), Rhian Roberts (Plymstock AO), Ro Gomez (Penryn), Megan Betts (Penzance)
Travelling Reserves: Leona Hughes, Megan Shroff (both Liskeard-Looe)
