LAUNCESTON Ladies’ best performance of the season went unrewarded against champions-elect Ivybridge on Sunday afternoon.

A fired up home side came out of the changing rooms and into top gear, instantly testing the visitors defence. On the offence, the Cabettes kept asking the tough questions of the league leaders but just falling short of a score. When Ivybridge attacked, Launceston’s ferocious tackling forced the visitors into errors and on to the back foot. It took 26 minutes for the Devonians to finally crack the Cabettes defence and break the deadlock.

Launceston kept the pressure on and soon found themselves deep into the visitors territory. They were denied a leveller after being held up, and against the run of play, Ivybridge grabbed a second try before adding a third just before half-time for a 19-0 cushion.

The Cabettes’ first half performance was deserved of at least a score, so they went on the hunt early in the second half to reward their efforts.

They set up camp in the Ivybridge third and hounded the visitors' defence. The Greens were stretched and it took two held up efforts to stop Launceston’s onslaught. To add insult, the visitors cleared their lines and on the next offence scored under the posts.

Despite the wind being knocked out of their sales, the Cabettes continued to lay everything on the line, but two more tries showed why Ivybridge have a perfect record this term.

Launceston are back in action on Sunday, April 12 when they visit Cullompton in their final away game of the season.

LAUNCESTON: M Tucker; Armstrong, Hutchings, Smith, G Tucker; Hicks, Warman; Cole, J Arnold, Upcott (capt); M Arnold, Thomas; Harrison, Hancock, Rowland. Replacements: Rsidon, Franks, Karkeek, Eddy, Ninnis, Belsey, Matthews.

Cabettes’ players-of-the-match: Forward – Rhian Thomas; Back – Abbie Smith.