LAUNCESTON gained all three points in this fiercely contested match on Saturday writes Vicki Banks.

Launceston started on the back foot when some early controversial decisions set the scene, although the Launceston players did well to bite their tongues it seemed things weren't going to go their way.

It took Launceston 15 minutes or so to really get into the game and start playing as a unit. Until then play was end to end with both teams attacking well.

However, once Launceston got into their stride play was very much one-sided and they really put the pressure on the Mannamead defence.

At half time Launceston had nothing more than a couple of stern warnings to show for their efforts so with a motivational team talk and some fire in their bellies Launceston went out hard in the second half and it wasn't long till it paid off with a goal from Tanya Gribble. Jane Gardner hit one of her signature long balls through from defence into space which was collected by Vicki Banks,who crossed to Michelle Roberts on the left who slipped the ball through two defenders to find Tanya who dribbled through the D and struck the ball passed the advancing 'keeper into the left hand corner.

This goal spurred Launceston on and they kept possession well. Janine Pethick, Sharon Trewin and player of the match Nes El'Cock, who is on top form, controlled the midfield with ease and pushed forward to keep the pressure on the Mannamead defence who did well to keep the goal tally to just one.

Launceston defended with real purpose in the last ten minutes and were determined to take all 3 points from this game which they thoroughly deserved. Team: Kay Lynam, Ali Bailey, Jane Gardner, Faith Chevannes, Sharon Trewin, Janine Pethick, Nes El'Cock, Jan Grahame, Michelle Roberts, Louise Dawe, Vicki Banks and Tanya Gribble.