Another hard day at the office for Penryn Ladies as they hosted Devonport Services at home in their fifth National Challenge 1 league fixture. Still suffering from injuries in key areas the squad available faced the challenge with guts and aggression. A simple penalty in the first five minutes allowed Devonport an easy opportunity to score with a kick and catch over the line, which unsettled the home side and the visitors were able to capitalise on this with another early score (both unconverted).
Penryn managed to gain their composure, and a great passage of attack followed with some strong forward carries and quick backs hands. However the Devonport defence was just too strong and Penryn were unable to capitalise on their ball possession and retention and could not find a way through to score. It was Devonport who eventually found a gap and scored their third and final try of the first half (this time
Penryn dug extra deep in the second half. The home side dominated the scrums, which gave them the perfect platform for Captain and Number 8, Hampton to pick up several times to gain ground down the blindside. However, the Devonport defence remained solid throughout. Even the dancing runs of fullback Hawkins could not penetrate the visitors line. Penryn refused to give up to the final whistle and made Devonport work hard for their final try ending the second half only 5 points down showing the home side’s grit and determination.
Penryn have another hard game on their hands next Sunday as they travel away to Bath 2s, but this spirited Cornish side will not be beaten down. They intend to all pull together at training on Thursday and go again at the weekend, knowing they are improving each match as individuals and as a squad.
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Match Report: Louise Dennis
