SUPERMARINE Ladies kicked off their National Women's Cup campaign with a 17-5 victory over Loughborough Ladies at South Marston.

The match started poorly for Marine, though, as they conceded a second-minute try following a handling error behind their try line.

However, the Swindon side soon got back into the game through their superior forwards.

Loughborough found themselves pushed deep into their own half and the pressure told as they conceded a penalty.

Marine capitalised on the error and a quick tap by No 8 Jess Bunce found its way to prop Claire Chard, who crashed over in the corner to level the score at 5-5.

Play was evenly matched for the rest of the first half with both packs dominating the majority of the play.

The second half saw Loughborough's backs begin to open up but Marine contained these breaks with some determined defensive work.

Marine's pack took control of the rucks and that caused havoc in the Loughborough ranks.

As the holes began to appear, Supermarine gained in confidence and they eventually got their noses in front with a try from full-back Emily Sherwood.

Marine's forwards continued to close the opposition down in the last quarter of the game and a missed pass from the forwards sent centre Kirsty Stevens over to score the third try, which was converted by Claire Smith.

There was no way back for Loughborough and Supermarine now take their place in the second round. They return to league action against Rosslyn Park on Sunday week, November 30.