Penryn Ladies 32 - Plymstock Albion Oaks 5

Penryn put in a five star performance on Sunday against familiar rivals Plymstock, writes Jonathan Plummer.

Having lost to Plymstock earlier in the season Penryn were keen to settle the score for the home fixture. Because of the torrential rain during the week, the match was played at Truro College 4G pitch which certainly suited Penryn’s running brand of rugby.

Penryn were looking to continue their good run of form having won their last match at Newton Abbot two weeks ago.

Right from the first whistle this was an intense battle as neither team wanted to give an inch with hard tackles going in from both sides. Penryn were forced into an early change when no.8 Paige Clarke had to go off injured, meaning skipper Louise Dennis moving on to the flank, where she had a superb match.

It was Penryn who were first on the scoreboard after several drives from the forwards to within ten metres of the line, prop Ellie Bardoe drove for the tryline and she was not to be stopped and dived over for a try.

Plymstock were quick to respond and after a kick to the corner, they managed to set up a rolling maul which was not to be stopped to level the scores at five all. Penryn were soon back in front when fly half Georgia Hall kicked a penalty from in front the posts to put the Borough back ahead.

The rest of the half was very tight until injury time when Penryn worked the ball out to the right wing and Jessica Turley touched down for a crucial try just before half time to give the Borough an eight point advantage at the break.

As the second half started and the rain began to fall harder Penryn took a firm grip on the match and extended their lead when Chloe Shrosbree went over for a try. Plymstock did all they could to get back into the match using their big pack to gain ground but great Penryn defence kept them out. Penryn Fly half Georgia Hall was having a great match with the boot ensuring that Penryn were always deep in Plymstock territory.

Penryn were finishing the match much the stronger and added further tries from full back Francesca Perry-Poletti and centre Rebecca O’Reily both of which were scored after some good moves from the backline. Both of these tries were converted by Hall.

The last few minutes were played in a torrential downpour and Plymstock went in search of a consolation score and threw everything at Penryn but again strong Borough tackling kept them out.

As the final whistle went Penryn celebrated their best win of the season against a very strong Plymstock side who kept going right to the last whistle.

This was a complete performance from Penryn and coach Marc Dennis was a happy man after the match saying that this was the best Penryn performance since he took over.

This victory confirms that Penryn will finish third in the league which is a fantastic achievement in a very tough league.

The Boroughs' last league match is against Crediton in two weeks time before attention turns towards the newly formed Cornwall Cup on March 24 at Truro.