Cullompton Ladies 37pts
Drybrook Ladies 40pts
The last time Drybrook Ladies 1st XV met Cullompton was two seasons ago in a well-deserved 5-7 win leading to the promotion into the Championship.
The squirrels started with the kick and unfortunately after 12 minutes of great attack and defence from Drybrook with Emma Gibson making some great hits, Cullompton were the first to put points on the score board. A missed conversion made the score 5-0.
Drybrook knew this was the time to wake up. After spending 10 minutes of excellent attack in Cullompton’s half, Lucie Smith took a quick pass off a penalty to Stevie Liddiatt. Drybrook’s first try was made as Liddiatt crossed the line after making her way through a number of defenders. Ellie Underwood made the conversion making the score 5-7.
It was clear Drybrook was dominating in the Scrums and in attack. This wasn’t enough as after 25 minutes and some poor defence Cullompton scored their second try. Conversion was missed again making the score 10-7.
Drybrook fought hard applying pressure to Cullompton. After penalty after penalty awarded to Drybrook, Ellie Underwood scored just shy of the posts. Conversion made by Underwood 10-14.
Several minutes after kick off Cullompton took full advantage of an overlap from Drybrook getting sucked into the breakdowns, and a pass out to the winger, Cullompton scored another try. Conversion missed 15-14.
With a well matched game Drybrook decided to do what they do best with great hard carries from the forwards and then to unleash the backs, this worked in the Squirrels favour with Ellie Underwood scoring her second try. Conversion missed 15-19.
Moments later with a great off load from Micha Harris to Ellie Underwood secured Ellie with a hat-trick try! Conversion made 15-26 at half time.
The second half kicked off with Cullompton making the first try of the half despite a great tackle from Judith Lack. Conversion was missed 20-26.
With the ref picking up on Cullompton not releasing the ball, Stevie Liddiatt took a quick penalty passing the ball out wide to inside-centre Hannah Meek. With great footwork and speed Hannah scored under the posts. Conversion made making the score 20-33.
With 20 minutes left of the game, Drybrook began to get too confident with their lead. Cullompton once again took advantage of space out wide and scored a try. Cullompton made their first conversion of the game 27-33.
Cullompton once again crossed the try line, no conversion was made. 32-33
Drybrook were determined to go home with the win, with a great interception and try under the post from Ellie Underwood secured the lead Drybrook were after. Ellie made the conversion making the score 32-40.
With seconds left of the game Cullompton made their last efforts and with a penalty against Drybrook managed to score one last try of the game! Conversion was missed 37-40.
Full Time! Drybrook Ladies take home the win, securing 2nd place in the league table.
Players of the match: Lucie Smith & Hannah Conroy
Special mention to Michelle Lewis & Gemma Frankland, both making their debut for Drybrook Ladies.
Drybrook Ladies: 1. Lucie Smith 2. Stevie Liddiatt 3. Julie-Ann Norbury 4. Hannah Conroy 5. Chantal Lewis 6. Emma Gibson 7. Chanise Beard 8. Micha Harris 9. Sarah Bevan 10. Kara Tucker 11. Bethany Lawrence 12. Hannah Meek 13. Ellie Underwood 14. Frankie Meadows 15. Judith Lack
Replacements: 16. Natasha Kibble 17. Michelle Lewis 18. Lauren Wall 19. Pixi Blakely 20. Gemma Frankland
