The first match of 2022 didn’t end with the score Penryn Ladies wanted or deserved but they can take heart from some exceptional individual performances and a strong display of team spirit and determination. Travelling away to Topsham, the Cornish side started strong, with a powerful scrum, following a missed kick to start the match. From this the back line showed the pace and strength they have to break through the Topsham defence and quickly work the ball into the oppositions half. A few handling errors gave the ball back to the home team but Penryn were able each time to apply pressure and win the ball back each time. From one Topsham scrum, the ball was kicked high by their number 10 and expertly caught by the Penryn full back Hawkins who danced through several defenders to score a superb solo try to open the scoring, converted by Rickard.
For the next twenty minutes the teams were then evenly matched with neither side able to capitalise on their possession and both showing solid defence. Penryn worked the ball up field with hard forward carries, strong back lines of running and some intelligent kicking from Rickard, but Topsham’s defence held strong and Topsham were able several times to break through the middle with some hard attacking runs only to be stopped by some individual try saving tackles. Eventually though it was Topsham that broke the deadlock working the ball out well to the wing in space to go over for their first unconverted try.
The second half was sadly a different story for Penryn, as Topsham found their feet and confidence with fresh legs, while Penryn battled on without the benefit of replacements and with players out of position. The visitors refused to give up to the end however and defended tirelessly in their half for the majority of play but Topsham proved to be too strong and were able to score 6 more tries. On several occasions it looked like Penryn might be able to break through and score themselves with Hawkins and Thompson finding gaps and running some excellent lines but Topsham’s defence was as strong as their attack and Penryn were unable to gain any further reward for their efforts.
Moving forward for next week’s home match against Plymstock Oaks, Penryn have plenty to work on but can still take many positives from their first game of the new year. The scrum was dominant for the first half, the forwards and backs competed well at the break downs and the backs showed the pace they can have in space. Mentions must also be made of Ruby Hancox who played her first ever game of rugby and tackled fearlessly throughout like a natural winger with the confidence of a seasoned player. Penryn will re-group at training on Thursday night and come back stronger next week to continue their league campaign in National Challenge 1 South West (West).
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Match Report Louise Dennis
