By Dan Pearce

WOMEN’S NC 1 SOUTH WEST (WEST)

Yeovil 5 Launceston 41

ABBIE Smith scored five tries as Launceston Ladies wrapped up 2024 in style after battling past a robust Yeovil outfit.

Venturing beyond Devon for the first time this season, it took the Cabettes just seven minutes to score with Smith getting her first, although Yeovil soon responded for 5-5.

After both sides went close, a dropped pass was keenly swept up by Smith who scurried over. Holly Williams nudged the extras for 12-5.

Yeovil upped the intensity once more but found the visiting defence in miserly mood with Meg Arnold and Caitlin Hancock to the fore as there were no further scores before the break.

Launceston felt they could up the gears in the second half and after a surge was halted close to the line, scrum-half Amy Warman darted over.

Smith though broke the back of Yeovil’s fight with her third and fourth scores, both from 40 metres out and was seemingly unstoppable with ball in hand. Williams added a conversion for good measure (29-5).

The Cabettes kept their foot on the throat and showed a killer instinct to keep scoring.

Once more Launceston's runners ventured deep into Yeovil’s 22 and utility player Abi Matthews hit the line like a seasoned pro forward straight through a gap and dotted down for her first score of the season. The conversion was missed.

The game was done but Smith was not as she decided a fifth try was needed to round off her day. Williams slotted the extras to finish the scoring (41-5).

Vicki Doidge was named forward of the match with Smith unsurprisingly taking the backs award.

Launceston’s next fixture is on January 19 when they travel to rivals Crediton.

The Cabettes wish all their sponsors and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!