Liskeard girls 7

Tavistock girls U18s 41

A SHARP deluge had just deposited an inch of rain on the pitch when the referee blew the kick off whistle. Several balls dropped from greasy hands forced the referee to punctuate the first five minutes with set scrums.

The water ebbed away and the Tavistock handling improved. Powerful running by Bronwyn Rundle broke through the Liskeard line only to be caught 10 metres out by some superb cover tackles. A rapid recycle at the ruck gave Annabel Longden the space to dash through to score wide on the right.

A period of stalemate followed, with opportunities out wide not being capitalised upon.

Tavistock were winning the forward struggle and in the scrums the ball was won by the strength and technique of the front row well supported by Maddie Cinnamond and Jess Tate. Spoiling the flow of the ball from the scrum by the Liskeard scrum-half reduced the damage that the Tavistock backs could inflict. Bronwyn Rundle eventually broke through to score and Fen Easthaugh scored under the posts on the stoke of half time. Captain for the day Annabel Longden converted.

In the second half, the strength and fitness of Tavistock wore down the Liskeard defence.

Michaela Roberts broke out of the pack and offloaded to Lizzie Crocker the defence brought her down and from the ensuing ruck, Lily Hillson fed to Annabel Longden then onto Michaela Roberts who scored a magnificent try.

Tavistock were now on a roll and after a penalty was awarded prop Kim Upcott took it quickly to drive over the line for the fifth try.

Bronwyn Rundle and Annabel Longden each scored their second tries before Liskeard finally put together some powerful forward plays. They drove their way to within five metres of the line, but could not cross it. Penalties were awarded against Tavistock, but the home team were kept out by fierce defence. Finally some close interpassing and with last gasp of strength Liskeard forced their way over the line for a consolation try.

Lauren Dawe and Hannah Morris on the wings rarely got the ball even though there was space and the opportunity. However, neither allowed the Liskeard attack any room to penetrate the Tavistock defensive line.

This was a great team effort by the town girls showing fast-flowing and exciting rugby. If they can perform like this for the rest of the season, they will be competing with the bigger clubs from Exeter and Devonport for the honours.