Hard Fought Loss For Ladies

Mary's travelled to windy, rainy, grey North Devon on Sunday to take on Cullompton in the National Cup. Having seen off Drybrook in the last round, the ladies once again faced opposition from the league above, although this time it was away and the hosts were at the top end of their league. However, Mary's were rightly confident and looking forward to testing themselves against a very good Cullompton side. Strong solid start was needed, but that went for a burton as Cullompton scored with their first attack and converted to lead 7-0. Mary's then regrouped, focused and set about playing rugby. Their work at the breakdown was excellent and the backs were seeing plenty of ball. But the attacks were going from side to side and Mary's found themselves playing all the rugby, but Cullompton having all the territory. This became the pattern for the half as Mary's struggled to gain good field position and the Cullompton back line looking dangerous when they had ball in hand. Mary's made great inroads into the opposition 22 once or twice, but were only rewarded with a penalty from the boot of Jade 'Gambo' Gamlin on 16 minutes to make it 7-3. Then right on the stroke of half time were dealt a body blow when Cullompton's impressive 13 sliced through to score a converted try. Half time 14-3. Second half and Mary's up for the fight as they went in search of points, but the hosts game management was excellent and they employed a strong kicking game to constantly push Mary's back. Megan Habgood picked up a dubious yellow for a high tackle when the ball carrier slipped and despite the visitors showing some fantastic defence they couldn't hold out and Cullompton added the next try. 21-3. St Mary's were tired now, but they kept going and were looking for a score. On 65 minutes Cullompton's superb No20 crossed to take the contest away from St Mary's but the visitor's weren't done. Back they came, with some great carrying and support play to keep on the front foot. A great counter ruck at a breakdown from Sarah Wright was the catalyst and for the last 10 minutes Mary's were fantastic. Captain Sammy Knighton carved through and gave a great hand-off as she made ground and then they went through the phases. A clean break by Gamlin and a superb support line by Chloe Tucker took Mary's up to the line and the ball was recycled and popped wide where Ria Jefferson-Gleed crossed for a richly deserved try with the last play. This was a really encouraging performance for St Mary's who had a taste of where they hope to be next season. All at St Mary's would like to wish Cullompton the best of luck in the next round, and hopefully we'll see them again next season. A massive well done to everyone involved on the day, it was a great effort from all. In the pack Sarah Wray, Victoria Shakspeare and Kaycie Mosley deserve special mentions, whilst Elaine Hughes, Ellie O'Sullivan and Ria Jefferson-Gleed were excellent in the back line. Player of the match was Kirsty Fido who was absolutely outstanding allover the pitch.