Withycombe ladies marked their first-ever home league outing with a 22-5 victory over Plymouth Albion Oaks ladies.

Withy made a bright start and scored a fourth minute try when the home pack did their work well prior to Rachel Saunders going over for her maiden Withy try.

Twenty minutes later the clubhouse corner followers were again raising their voices in celebration as Sanders scored her second try.

Withy were playing with confidence and looked set to record a big win, but if they had a problem it was possible in that they tended to over play. Prop Carol Clover was close to making it three tries, but no more came and Withy trooped off at the break with a 10-0 lead.

The first half scrummaging took its toll and Withy changed both props for the second period. It was the introduction of Dawn Avery that was instrumental in Withy securing the bonus point, it also meant that the opposition scrum were put under increasing second-half pressure!

It was the visiting side who scored the first points of the second half, dotting down with a try after a couple of errors in the home ranks and a charged down kick.

Withy hit back and some strong running gave them field position before India Chambers made a slick offload to put Avery in for the third home try.

Withy then went in search of the bonus point and it duly arrived with almost the last action of the contest. The move began with some strong running from Claire Stokes and Amy Gillard and ended with another powerful burst from Avery who registered her second try of the game.

The victory leaves Withy top of the fledgling league, displacing previous leaders Penryn.

This Sunday (October 15), Withy ladies are in league action at St Austell. The club are running a coach to the game and tickets are available at £5 each. Departure from Raleigh Park on Sunday is 10.30am.

The league is now down to six teams following the withdrawal of both St Columbia and North Tawton.