Penryn Ladies 5 - 21 Wasp Legend Ladies

Cornwall's only ladies’ rugby team took part in one of the most successful sporting events held in St Agnes.

The Legends weekend hosted at St Agnes RFC and supported by Cornish Pirates new CEO Josh Lewsey featured the women's match as part of the day.

With kick off at 11.30am Penryn players were initially surprised to find their experienced, fierce, premiership level and ex-international playing team also comprised of two retired players from the now-folded Redruth Albany: Sarah Stephens and Penny Batterson.

Nevertheless, the opposition looked tough and Penryn knew it was likely to be the most challenging game of the season.

The game started with Penryn receiving and the tourist’s defence was upon them immediately.
Penryn held their own, but the ball was turned over. The touring team's forwards were big and solid and Penryn could feel it; their experience showed and the game that followed often saw them turning the ball over in rucks or ripping during a maul.

Wasps first try was scored in the bottom right corner of the park and converted.

Not long after the Wasps scored again, this time in the left, after some quick feet and a beautiful interception from their 10 who sailed to an unopposed try.

Penryn didn't let their play drop. Regaining possession, full back, Alex Smith dodged and weavedher way up two thirds of the pitch. A quick offload found Sarah Stovell, who passed to Lucy Demain who quick footed over the try line to score a glorious try to roars from the crowd.  Lucy went on to convert.

The second half saw the Wasps return with some well-drilled, forward phased play.

They maintained possession, and were powerful to defend against, and as such most of the game was spent in Penryn's half.

Penryn fought well, especially in the line outs where they won and stole many balls.

The final try was scored in the last few minutes after a gruelling phase of forward balls and rucks that eventually gave the space wide for Wasps to go over.

The Wasps proved to be the tough game Penryn were anticipating but it gave Penryn a fantastic opportunity to play real opposition and a higher level of rugby, and highlights the abilities and talent already within Cornwall.

Penryn Ladies are currently looking for a new head coach. If anyone is up for the exciting opportunity of leading these dedicated girls to the next league get in touch online via Facebook.
The team is also playing touch rugby all summer on Gylly Beach, each Wednesday evening at  6.30pm - open to all.