Supermarine Ladies faced Plymouth Ladies for the second time this season on Sunday and were hoping for a better result at home than the away fixture.

The game started well, with both teams playing good up front rugby in difficult conditions; the strong winds favouring Supermarine by forcing the opposition to keep the ball in hand and play more direct.

However, the wind was unable to prevent Plymouth's typical flare and they used their expansive game to attack the spaces and add two tries to the scoreboard in the first half.

But the visitors were unable to convert either try and Supermarine kept the scores close with a try from Annabel Martin-Mulholland, converted by Natalie Williams, which saw Marine trail 10-7 at the break.

Supermarine started the second half well and played positive rugby that continued to test the Plymouth defence but the visiting team proved to be too strong on the counter-attack and outscored Supermarine three tries to one in the second half.

It was a much-improved performance from Supermarine and despite a 27-12 reverse, it was an encouraging return to taction and a much-needed bonus point for Supermarine.

Forward of the match went to second half try-scorer Claire Chard, while the back of the match award was handed to Leanne Bartleman.

Supermarine face Reading Ladies away next weekend.