LAUNCESTON Ladies’ 18-game unbeaten home record, spanning three seasons, came to end on Sunday as a late try from Guildford Gazelles gave them a narrow victory.

The Cabettes last lost at Polson back in December 2022 to Exeter Athletic who now ply their trade in the Women's Championship One South league.

Having only conceded 49 points in all competitions at home since that match, the reality of how difficult this league can be is now very apparent to the Ladies.

The Cabettes took to the field, donning their new kit, hoping to build on their strong start to the campaign, and made one change from the side that had won their opener at Reading Abbey as Madi Vine was available again and slotted on to the right wing in place of Suz Franks.

She was amongst the replacements which included player/coach Alex Hutchings, making a return to the game in an on-field capacity after a while away, while Grace Tucker and Lydia Duke were hoping to make their debuts.

The Surrey visitors were beaten in their opener by Newbury Blues, but they took an early lead with an unconverted score.

However, it wasn’t long though before outside-centre Meg Tucker does what she does best by shrugging tackles to find her way to the try line.

With the momentum in their favour, the Launceston centre partnership struck again by adding a second score through a classic charging run from Abbie Smith. Flanker Caitlyn Hancock kicked the extras for a 12-5 lead.

Guildford though had no intention of letting Launceston have their way and added a brace of converted scores to go into half-time 19-12 ahead.

Coming out for the second half, Launceston knew they needed the next score to stay in the fight but it was the Gazelles that struck first with another converted try to open up a 14-point gap.

Undeterred, the Cabettes knuckled down, gritted their teeth and continued the work to close the gap and it was that duo in the centres that bore the fruit of labour.

First through Tucker, converted by Hancock, shortly followed up by Smith.

Hancock’s kick was crucially charged down, meaning with five minutes to go, the Gazelles held a two-point lead.

Battling to the very end, Launceston hunted for that score to complete the comeback, but Guildford had the final say with a try to take the game, the points and the unbeaten record away from Polson Bridge.

Launceston have the chance to immediately bounce back as they travel to Cheltenham Tigers Seconds this week.

Note for travelling supporters, this fixture is on Saturday instead of Sunday and is a 3.30pm kick-off in Gloucestershire.

LAUNCESTON LADIES: Joey Bartlett, Madi Vine, Meg Tucker, Abbie Smith, Ellen Armstrong, Rachel Hicks, Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott (capt), Megan Arnold, Rhian Thomas, Nicole Rowland, Caitlyn Hancock, Briony Eddy. Replacements: Jess Harrison, Ann-Marie Risdon, Jess Ninnis, Alex Hutchings, Grace Franks, Suz Franks, Lydia Duke.

Tries: Tucker (2), Smith (2); Convs: Hancock (2); Pens: N/A.

Forward-of-the-match: Megan Arnold; Back-of-the-match: Joey Bartlett.