Launceston suffer narrow defeat in opening league match

LAUNCESTON were looking to kick off the season strongly against newly promoted Trowbridge after an encouraging pre-season, but a game of two halves gave the CABs too much work in the second half.

Trowbridge were keen to prove they deserved a place in this league, and they scored the first try after Ollie Bilton pinned his ears back and ran through the defence from the five-yard line. Flyhalf Tom Weaver kicked the conversion to put the home side in the lead.

It seemed Trowbridge haven’t had much rain as the pitch was hard and dusty which bought it own challenges.

Trowbridge’s flanker Kyle Oakley reached out and grounded the ball after a quick pick and go following a ruck inside Launceston’s five yard line. Weaver added the extra points.

The CABs struggled to create opportunities for themselves despite some spells of encouraging forward play and Trowbridge’s Alex Murchinson exploited a gap in the Cornishmen’s defence and ran untouched to score. Weaver once again sent the ball sailing between the posts to make the score 21-0.

Trowbridge’s lock, Ollie Bilton, scored his second try by powering over the line on the far-right side but the conversion pulled wide to make the score going into halftime 26-0.

Launceston were no longer looking to the low sun and were like a different team in the second half. It seemed the momentum shifted to the visitors as they started to claw back points.

James Tucker chipped the ball across to winger Sheldon Higgins who dived over the whitewash to put Launceston on the scoreboard and Tucker kicked the conversion.

The All Blacks were back in Trowbridge’s 22 and flanker George Harris powered over from a pick and go behind the ruck to score, with Tucker’s reliable boot adding the extras.

The CABs prop Charlie Short, who was awarded Launceston’s Player of the Match, made many strong runs, pumping his legs and shrugging defenders off as he made the metres.

The All Blacks were lingering with intent on the home side’s tryline and captain Mitchell Hawken scored after he dotted the ball down between a defender’s feet and Tucker sent the ball sailing between the posts, making the score 26-21.

A cloud of tension settled over Trowbridge Rugby Club as both teams gave it their all. The home side looked threatening and after a few phases, their number 7 scored to give them a comfortable lead again.

Launceston continued to fight and impact player Devon Murray used his strength to force himself over the tryline, with Tucker kicking the extra points but the damage was already done. The All Blacks ran out of time before they could score any more points with the final score ending 33-28.

The CABs will hope to bring the ferocity they did in the second half to their whole performance when they face Brixham at home next weekend.

Launceston: Andy Rowe, Lloyd Duke, George Harris, Cian Baker, Charlie Tummon, Charlie Short, Archie Doige, Mitchell Hawken (capt), George Hillson (vice), James Tucker, Billy Martin, Jack Easton, Eion Baker, Sheldon Higgins, Ollie Bebbington.

Impact players: Rory Mead, Sam Snell, Devon Murray, Tom Anderton, Dan Goldsmith.

Tries: Higgins, Harris, Hawken, Murray

Launceston Player of the Match: Charlie Short