After the postponement of the round three clash with Totnes Ladies due to COVID outbreak in the Totnes squad, Exeter Athletic Dakota Women returned to league action against Withycombe in Round 4 of the league.

Stand in coaches Lottie Dadds and Matilda Toresater took Exeter Athletic across to Withycombe for the fixture and the side made a fast start, with barley 3 minutes on the clock before fresher Ffion Marshall darted through the centre field and dotted down between the posts.

A tough defensive effort from Withycombe put Athletic under some stress, as pressure at the breakdown saw Withycombe continue to challenge Athletics’ ability to maintain possession.

However, 20 minutes in, Jade Wallis spotted a gap on the edge and backed her pace through the space to score. A quick succession of tries followed, to see Athletic head in at the break with a 34-0 lead.

As the whistle sounded for the second half, Emily Owen danced through the defence, dotting down in the corner and then converting herself.

Withycombe fought to the end, but a strong performance from Exeter Athletic saw the final score 109-0.

Last weekend, the side took on Camborne in round 5, in a game moved to the Rubber Crumb due to the unexpected weather forecast. The pitch suited the side’s style of play and home advantage on a hugely positive afternoon that saw several players making their Exeter Athletic debuts.

It was also a special afternoon for Kathryn Bass and Emma Jolliffe, who were all playing their first ever game of rugby.

The rain held off before kick-off, which allowed both teams to play expansive exciting rugby. A strong defensive effort from Camborne put Exeter Athletic under pressure in the first 15 minutes of play, as Camborne looked to attack themselves.

It came to nothing though, as a strong defensive effort from Annie Talbot saw a turnover on the edge. Athletic saw an opportunity from there and were clinical in their attack, as winger Charlie Hope dotted down in the corner.

Once Exeter Athletic settled, their attacking shape found Camborne exposed through the centre field. Naomi Gruitt spotted a gap and busted through the middle in a standout try, as Athletic took a 47-point lead heading into the break.

Due to injuries, the game went to uncontested scrums in the second period, with pressure coming from both sides to keep hold of the ball and maintain the flow of the game.

On the hour mark, Camborne found themselves deep into the Exeter Athletic 22, as they pressed for a try. However, after several positive phases of play, Charlie Budge saw an opportunity at the breakdown and within seconds Exeter Athletic were back in possession.

An outside break saw Athletic back into Camborne’s half, and it was Oceane Kermadic who scored in the corner to wrap up an 80-0 victory for her side.