Performance of the season on the road for Withy Ladies

Withy fielded what was probably their most inexperienced team of the season as they travelled up the M5 for the penultimate game.

Despite a third of the squad having played two games or less, it was the visitors who started the brightest.

From a scrum in their own half, the ball was moved to the backs where captain Georgia Skelly broke through the line to run in under the posts and then convert her own try.

Within 15 minutes, Withies were 14-0 up as another break by Ms Skelly saw her then ship the ball to Alice Cooper who sprinted clear: Ms Skelly again converting.

At this point, Cullompton’s forwards started to get into the game.

They carried the ball well, but came up against firm Withy resistance: Emma Forrester, Charlotte Leckie and Ebony Mardle making some particularly hard tackles.

It took half-an-hour for the defence to be breached, as further waves of attack led to the home side scoring two tries in quick succession.

Missed conversions meant that Withy held a slender lead at half time and knew they were in a fight.

The second half began as an even affair with both teams showing confidence to move the ball but meeting stubborn defences.

Terri Densham was the turnover queen and from one of these it allowed the forwards to go through the phases until fly-half Bridget Culver saw a gap and broke the line to score and relieve a little pressure - Ms Skelly again making the conversion.

The relief was short lived as soon after Cullompton replied to leave a four-point game again.

The heat made it hard work for both teams, but Withies ‘newbies’ stood the test.

Zoe Sellick got stuck in along with debutants Deni Smith and Lyndsey Evison, whilst Kirsty Robinson had some good carries on the wing.

The third home try seemed to galvanize the visitors.

Straight from the restart they used forward power to move into the 22 creating an overlap that Ms Culver exploited with Ms Skelly converting.

Not content with the 11-point lead, the restart again saw Withy forwards making great carries into the opposition half.

From an attacking scrum, a missed pass created space for Ms Skelly to again sprint clear.

And soon after, an impressive 70m team move of fast rucks, strong carries and timely offloads was finished off by Ms Cooper for her brace.

Ms Skelly again converting both to bring her personal tally to 22 points.

The final score: Cullompton Ladies II 17, Withycombe Ladies 42.

Scrum half Flo Greensitt was outstanding with her distribution and Emma Forrester was a colossus in tackles, rucks and carries.

Their performances earning them back and forward of the match.

The final match of the season takes place at Paignton on April 28, but training continues at Raleigh Park each Wednesday at 6:30pm for any ladies wishing to try out the sport that is for all.