Withycombe Ladies narrowly lost to Exeter Saracens after a late try by the hosts.

The teams met in a hard-fought contest at Exeter Saracens, with the visitors determined to secure victory.

Both teams demonstrated commitment and skill, creating an exhilarating atmosphere throughout the match.

Withycombe scored four tries, thanks to the efforts of Charlotte Leckie, Georgia Skelly, Ebony Mardle, and a robust team effort.

Leckie scored the first try, performing a swan dive over a mass of defenders to get Withycombe onto the scoreboard.

Skelly scored the second try, finishing off a well-coordinated set-piece from the scrum with Jen’s support on the blindside.

The teams switched ends after a tense first half, and Withycombe continued to show determination.

Holly Thompson made crucial try-saving tackles, while Jane Mclellan's powerful breaks and quick thinking from Flicc Dunn kept the game's pace thrilling.

One of the match's highlights came when Mardle picked the ball from the back of a scrum, deceived Exeter’s number 13, and sidestepped their full-back to score under the posts.

Skelly converted all three tries, keeping Withycombe in striking distance of victory throughout.

Lineouts became a critical aspect of Withycombe’s strategy, with Mardle being elevated to secure vital possession.

Ewelina Kaleta proved to be a defensive force, showcasing the benefits of her rigorous training with her tenacious tackling.

The competitive spirit of Terrianne Densham, Devona Thompson, and Sarah English ensured their pod made significant gains into tackles.

Quick distribution from scrum-half Flo Greensitt saw the ball reach Emily Sutcliffe.

Despite Exeter fielding a strong side that kept all 15 players on the pitch throughout the match, Withycombe's advances were met with fierce resistance.

In the match's dying moments, Exeter led by 27 points.

However, Withycombe’s forwards launched a final offensive, reducing the deficit to just one point.

With the score at 27-26, it came down to a last-minute conversion attempt by Skelly.

Unfortunately, the kick fell short, and the final whistle blew, marking a disappointing end to a valiant effort.

The Withycombe Ladies, despite the narrow defeat, took pride in their spirited performance in a thrilling match.

They now eagerly anticipate welcoming Exeter Saracens to Raleigh Park in January for another exciting encounter.