Women’s NC South West South 2

North Petherton Ladies 24,
Penryn Ladies 15

IT was a dry and mild day as Pethy Ladies welcomed Penryn to ‘The Oaks’ for their penultimate game of the season. 

Full-back Claire Hancock created the first chance after hitting a lovely line off prop Rosie Wheeler, who broke through the Penryn defence. 

A strong Pethy maul followed and vital metres were made towards the line, but possession was turned over as the deadlock remained intact.

The Pethy pack was dominant and the ball came out to winger Alex Williams, who used her electric pace to score the first try of the game.

Penryn began to pile on the pressure and mistakes were made in equal measure. 

The home side impinged at the breakdown and this gave the visitors a chance to put some points on the board and score in the corner for an unconverted try. 

In the second half, Pethy ladies were determined to continue their winning streak and were positive from the whistle. 

They were well-organised, pacey and playing with flair. 

Forwards Janet Dyer and Kate Williams made some tremendous tackles against a big Penryn side. 

The ball came out to the back row and into the hands of Tamzin Reis-Day who raced across the line to score. 

Penryn came back with all guns blazing and, not to be outdone, within minutes scored twice in the corner, both of which were unconverted. 

As the game restarted, a storming break by Pethy full-back Hancock had both sets of supporters on their feet as she courageously skipped through the Penryn defence and over the whitewash. 

Gemma Baker made no mistake with the conversion and took Pethy ladies into a 17-15 lead. 

A Penryn lineout was stolen by Kate Williams and sent through the back line to winger Amy Clark who quickly offloaded to captain Sam England to sprint over the line. 

Baker again eased the ball between the sticks. 

The final whistle was a relief after a hard-fought, physical game.

Forward of the match - Kelly Palmer; back of the match - Claire Hancock.

The win took Pethy level on points with their opponents, meaning they now sit third in the division with a game to play.

They round off their season this Sunday by welcoming Plymstock Albion Oaks Ladies.