A misty Raleigh Park set the stage for a keenly anticipated local derby as Withycombe Ladies hosted Exmouth Ladies, with the Withy ladies determined to respond after a close defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Although the teams went into the break locked at 0–0, the opening half was far from quiet, with both sides producing a competitive and physical contest.

Withies made a bright start and controlled much of the early territorial battle, pinning Exmouth inside their own half for long periods of the opening quarter. Possession also favoured the hosts, who worked hard to build phases and create gaps. However, Exmouth’s defensive line remained resolute, and Withy were unable to find a way through to open the scoring.

The second quarter became a more evenly balanced affair, with play moving across the field as both teams competed strongly at the breakdown and in open play. As half time approached, Exmouth began to apply sustained pressure and forced a number of penalties deep inside the Withycombe 22’.

The visitors looked well placed to break the deadlock but determined defence from the home side ensured they came away empty-handed, with Withycombe holding firm to keep the scores level at the interval.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with both teams sharing possession and much of the play taking place in the middle third of the field. The breakthrough eventually arrived on the hour mark after Withy built sustained pressure close to the Exmouth line.

Working through multiple phases inside the five-metre channel, the forwards kept the ball alive before a driving maul edged its way over the line. When the bodies cleared, Elly Meacham emerged from the pile with the ball to confirm the opening try and give Withycombe a deserved lead.

The score lifted the tempo of the game, with both teams increasing the pace in search of further opportunities.

The ladies extended their lead around ten minutes later as Hannah Bolwell found space out wide, broke free of her opposite number and sprinted clear to score a well-taken try that gave Withies greater breathing room.

Exmouth continued to push and mounted one final spell of pressure inside the Withycombe 22’, but the Withy defence stood firm once again to deny them a route back into the contest.

The final score, Withycombe Ladies 10, Exmouth Ladies 0.

The ladies have a week off next week to recover before heading along the coast to take on Sidmouth in a top-of-the-table clash on the 22nd March.