WHAT'S COMING UP:
Thurs 9th Feb: CSM Netball v COUGARS @ Penryn College TISA
Thurs 9th Feb: PANTHERS v Steelers @ Lux Park LC
Fri 17th Feb: Storm 2 v TIGERS @ Carn Brea LC
PANTHERS BACK TO WINNING WAYS WITH VICTORY OVER CONNECT
LNC Panthers 39, Connect [3] 30
Starting line up: GK Kay Barker, GD Lauren Finch, WD Amy Greenbank, C Julia Eldridge, WA Emma Dunn, GA Gabi Duffey, GS Christina Broad. Res Kirstie Chappell & Rachael Congdon
After starting the new year with a run of close defeats, Panthers went into their home match vs Connect 3 determined to get back to winning ways.
Eager to prove themselves, they took to the court and immediately set the tone for the game, netting the first four goals on the bounce. GA Gabi Duffy and GS Christina Broad worked hard with some fantastic court play and accurate shooting to give them a 13-6 lead after the first period.
Going into the second period, Kirstie Chappell, making a welcome return for the club after injury, replaced Barker at GK. Panthers continued to work the ball well through the mid-court, but with both Connect shooters on fine form they began to claw their way back into the game and with some silly passing errors from Liskeard they were able to win the quarter 10-8, reducing Panthers lead to just 5 goals.
After a re-group at half time, bringing Rachael Congdon on at WD and Barker back into GK, Panthers came out with a renewed energy and really began to dominate. GD Lauren Finch had the measure of the GA and worked well with Barker to ensure Connect had limited chances at goal. Liskeard defended well all over the court and were able to turnover numerous balls and feed them into the shooters, and with Panthers GS Christina Broad netting all of her 8 attempts at goal they began to pull away again, winning the quarter 11-5, giving them a 32-21 lead going into the last.
With WD Amy Greenbank and Chappell returning to the court for the final period, Panthers were determined to see the game out for the win. They worked hard to keep possession and slow the game down. Chappell tightly marked out the strong GS, allowing her just 3 attempts at goal and although the GA stepped up netting some superb long range shots to win the quarter for her team, Liskeard had done enough and won the game 39 - 30.
Gabi Duffy and Christina Broad were awarded joint player of the match for their superb play in the shooting circle, their hard work in training was evident throughout the game and they are really starting to look like a partnership to be reckoned with.
Pictures by Glen Rogers
COUGARS UNABLE TO OVERCOME LASTONET’S 5TH STRING
Lastonet [5] 43 - 23 LNC Cougars
Starting Line up: GK Lynn Webb, GD Debbie Drinkell, WD Sophie Thomas, C Siobhan Howe, WA Kerry Elliott, GA Louise Piner, GS Vicky Ford. Res Maria Jordan
Liskeard Cougars could not build on their win from last week, losing out to Lastonet 5 at Cornwall College.
With regular GA Emma Thomas absent through a shoulder injury, versatile Louise Piner stepped up to pair with GS Vicky Ford in the shooting circle but from the outset the visitors struggled to match the fast pace of Lastonet and Cougars soon found themselves 6 goals down. With few opportunities to work the ball in the circle Cougars were relieved to get their first goal of the game. This settled the attack and Cougars were able to match the home side for the remainder of the period, finishing the quarter trailing 6-12.
The team remained unchanged for the second quarter and upped the tempo to try and match their opponents. There was however no let up in the defensive circle with GD Debbie Drinkell and GK Lynn Webb working hard to limit the taller Lastonet Shooters. WD Sophie Thomas defended well linking any interceptions to C Siobhan Howe and Cougars ended the quarter 12-22.
Maria Jordan stepped into WD for the third quarter and immediately made her presence known, double marking the Lastonet GA and intercepting a rare lose pass from the home team. Cougars built on this and had a stunning period of play. Long range shots from Ford and Piner finding the net meant Cougars came close to really impacting on the Lastonet lead. This was not to last however and Lastonet soon rallied to win the period 6-8, taking a 12 goal lead into the last.
Cougars’ energy and commitment to the game could not be faulted and despite being in a losing position, they continued to fight to ensure they got the well deserved bonus point. Lastonet proved to be worthy opponents though and were able to close out the match winning 23 - 43.
Player of the match was awarded to Kerry Elliott for her tenacity in attack.
TIGERS RECORD THEIR BEST WIN OF THE SEASON AT HOME TO SILHOUETTES
LNC Tigers 42 - 15 Silhouettes
Starting Line-up: GK Lucy Smale, GD Vicki Hastings, WD Holly Lemon, C Julia Eldridge, WA Jo Glossop, GA Amie Hoskin, GS Sophie Hocking. Res. Debbie Drinkell.
With the absence of Emma Dalton, Julia Eldridge stepped into the Centre position. Liskeard opened the scoring and quickly found themselves 5 goals in front. Good circle play by GA Amie Hoskin, netting all but one attempt in the quarter, gave the Tigers a 10-6 lead after the first period.
Silhouettes changed their shooter for the second quarter but GK Lucy Smale’s strong defending eliminated the player and ensured she wasn’t able to convert any goals. The Tigers intercepted loose passes throughout the court and had control of the game from early on. Both shooters found their range and focussed on their set plays to work the ball from Eldridge and WA Jo Glossop into the circle and Liskeard took the quarter 12 goals to 4.
Cougar’s captain Debbie Drinkell stepped up to the mark in the third quarter as Eldridge was rested. Nervous, but keen to play, Drinkell listened to the team and worked well in the mid court with sister Glossop. Both teams had a low scoring, tentative quarter with missed opportunities throughout the court. Tigers defence dominated and despite more attempts at goal for Silhouettes, GD Vicki Hastings and Smale ensured just two goals were scored.
Eldridge returned for the final period, which was by far the Tigers best. The whole team upped their game, despite an already strong lead. Both WD Holly Lemon and Glossop were relentless throughout the court, intercepting where possible and keeping possession to ensure Silhouettes were kept out of the game.
A stronger quarter by both shooters with GS Sophie Hocking leading the play in the attacking third, creating space for Hoskin in the circle to ensure a better chance at goal. Again, the Silhouettes attack were silenced by Hastings, Lemon and Smale, fewer attempts at goal and few converted enabled the Tigers to secure their best win to date.
Coach Rudi Britz was thrilled with the team, saying “Tonight’s result came as no surprise to me, as the level of our game has improved dramatically. We had a very close encounter against Newquay 1 who are currently unbeaten in Division 2. It just proves that we have increased our game to a much higher level.
I just hope that the Tigers start to believe in themselves a bit more now. After a very comfortable win last night, the players should realise that they are a team to watch out for. Both Umpires spoke to me after the match, each complimenting on our fantastic defence throughout the game. You only have to look at the end score to see that it was superb. Lucy and Vicki did an amazing job defending the GS and GA and kept their chances of scoring to a minimum.
Overall we saw lots of interceptions by everyone, and at the end of the match it was not an easy task to choose the player of the match. But well done to Jo who played out of her skin and was awarded Coach's Player of the match for her efforts.
We still have to improve in certain areas of our game as well as timing issues but hey, Rome wasn't built in a day. I'm excited about our future and can't wait to do some more work, taking us to yet another level. Well done girls, you made me proud.”
Pictures by Glen Rogers
COUGARS STILL CHASING PROMOTION WITH A HOME WIN AGAINST FALCONS
LNC COUGARS 28 - 17 FALCONS [2]
Starting Line up: GK Rachel Congdon, GD Sophie Thomas, WD Louise Piner, C Siobhan Howe, WA Kerry Elliott, GA Emma Thomas, GS Vicky Ford. Res – Debbie Drinkell & Lynn Webb
After a 6 week break from league competition Cougars started only their second home game of the season briskly, netting 5 unanswered goals. Falcons soon made up the deficit however, coming back to within 2 goals at the end of the first quarter, to end with the scores Cougars 8 Falcons 6.
The second quarter saw Lynn Webb replace Sophie Thomas at GD. This quarter was marked by its competitiveness with both teams chasing down all the lose balls. But Cougars were able to build on their lead scoring a further 9 goals to Falcons 5 ending the half at Cougars 17 – Falcons 11.
Cougars made further changes for the 3rd quarter, with Debbie Drinkell coming on at GD and Lynn Webb moving to GK. Again Cougars pressed forward in what was becoming a very competitive encounter.
Cougars took a 7 goal advantage going into the fourth quarter but were soon cut to a 5 goal lead by a determined Falcons team. This was not to last however, as Cougars played the best Netball of the game closing out the match with some brilliant possession play. Final Score Cougars 28 – Falcons 17.
Captain Debbie Drinkell was delighted in the team’s performance. “The whole team really put into practise what Coach Rudi Britz had been teaching us. Some of the edge of the circle play was really good and the defence was much tighter as well”.
Player of the match was awarded to Louise Piner for her consistency throughout the match.
Pictures by Glen Rogers
TIGERS AGONISINGLY CLOSE TO VICTORY OVER UNBEATEN NEWQUAY 1
Newquay 33 - 30 Liskeard Tigers
Liskeard Tigers came very close to a division upset when they faced top of the table Newquay 1. Undefeated this season, and with all wins at a comfortable margin, on paper it was expected to be tough, but with their new line-up the Tigers were hopeful they could give Newquay a good game.
Both teams started well and goals went with the centre pass for the first five minutes but Newquay shot ahead towards the end of the quarter. Their strong GA was dominating the play and despite pressure from new Tiger Vicki Hastings she extended her teams lead, netting 5 goals without reply and ending the first period 10 - 5.
After a stern team talk from their coach, Liskeard went back on court determined to hold their own but Newquay were quicker out of the blocks and the Tigers soon found themselves 14 - 5 down. However, with some fantastic defending from Smale, Hastings and Lemon, creating numerous turnovers, they fought their way back to draw the quarter 8-8, ending the first half 18-13.
Encouraged by their previous quarter, and with the win still in their sights, Liskeard upped their game. Newquay made several changes, and despite an even taller defence being introduced, Hoskin and Hocking worked the ball around the circle to improve their scoring chances, with Hocking missing just 2 attempts all period. Tigers defended well throughout the court with loose passes being picked off by Glossop, Dalton and Lemon. Newquay’s shooting opportunities were dramatically reduced; 9 attempts all period with just 5 converted due to the hard defending by Smale and Hastings.
Going into the last period with a surprising two goal lead, the Tigers knew it was still anyone’s game. Newquay reverted back to their original line up and showed they were not prepared to give up their undefeated title easily. The shooters from both sides felt the pressure and the teams remained goal for goal for much of the match, but Liskeard started to tire and silly mistakes came into their play which Newquay pounced on. Despite the Tigers best efforts, Newquay had soon levelled the game at 30 a piece. With the momentum in their favour, the final few minutes were dominated by the home side and they won the game by 3 goals, finishing 33 - 30.
Despite the loss, Tigers’ captain Holly Lemon was pleased with the team’s performance. “Everyone worked so hard and it was evident that our efforts in training are being rewarded. We are all disappointed that having come so close we didn’t manage to hold out for the win but it was by far our best game of the season and I think we can all be proud of our performance”.
Coach’s Player of the Match was deservedly awarded to Lucy Smale for her strong defending and support of the team throughout.
Panthers hold out for a bonus point against top of the league St Agnes
LNC Panthers 31 - 59 St Agnes 2
GK Kay Barker, GD Lauren Finch, WD Amy Greenbank, C Julia Eldridge, WA Emma Dunn, GA Gabi Duffey & GS Christina Broad, Res Emma Thomas, Vicky Ford and Maria Jordan.
Following a 7 week gap from their previous match and a new starting line-up Liskeard Panthers met top of the table St. Agnes. Panthers had a promising start to the first quarter, newly appointed GD Finch and WD Greenbank picked off the GA to minimise St Agnes’ scoring opportunities. However, with a strong GS netting the long range shots, St. Agnes secured 10 goals with no reply. Although The Panthers tried to settle their nerves and managed to pull back 3 goals at the end, the first quarter ended 5-15.
No changes for the Panthers saw them settle into the match. Centre pass set plays seemed to pay off and Liskeard maintained possession. WA Dunn utilised the support of WD Greenbank in order for the Panthers attack to work towards goal. At the other end of the court GK Barker began to read St Agnes’ GS and picked off any loose passes. A much better quarter for the Panthers, losing by just 2 goals, leaving the score 14-26 at half time.
Emma Thomas replaced Dunn in WA and following an improved second quarter Panthers felt encouraged to work hard and reduce Aggie’s lead. However their strong GK made it very difficult for GS Broad, who had to work hard to receive the ball from Thomas and C Eldridge. St. Agnes continued to apply pressure throughout the court; Panthers’ heads dropped which saw more mistakes being made. Aggie capitalised creating turnovers which their GS continued to convert. St Agnes won the quarter 18 goals to 5, further increasing their lead going into the last.
Dunn returned for the final period, with Thomas moving to GK and Jordan coming on as WD. Panthers Captain Eldridge encouraged her team to play short, sharp netball and secure a point from the match. Set plays improved as the team tried to play their own game. Eldridge and Jordan closed down the attack forcing the pass back to defence in order for St Agnes to maintain possession. Finch continued to defend Aggies GA but it was their GS who again extended the lead. However, Broad had an excellent final quarter and fought hard for the ball, along with Duffey they secured the goals, netting 12 to Aggies’ 15, bringing the final score to 31 – 59 securing that one bonus point. Coach’s player of the match was deservedly awarded to Christina Broad for her persistence throughout the match.
Panthers Captain Julia Eldridge commented after the match that “the team had gelled very well taking the Christmas break and two new players into consideration. There were moments of fantastic netball down the court which will be focused upon in the next few weeks and I am very pleased to have two experienced players on board with Amy Greenbank and Lauren Finch”.
TIGERS ARE BACK TO WINNING WAYS WITH A FANTASTIC RESULT AGAINST STORM
LNC Tigers 34 - 28 Storm 2
Starting line-up: GK Lucy Smale, GD Vicki Hastings, WD Holly Lemon, C Emma Dalton, WA Jo Glossop, GA Amie Hoskin, GS Sophie Hocking. Res Julia Eldridge
Following their disappointing 1 goal defeat at the hands of St Agnes last week, Liskeard Tigers were hopeful of returning to winning ways when they welcomed Storm’s second string to Lux Park.
Storm started strong, quickly going 3 goals in front. The Tigers knew Storm would be a tough, well drilled opposition and they couldn’t afford to let them advance too far in front. Liskeard settled into the game and worked hard to level the scores at 5-5. Through their excellent GS, netting 7 out of her 8 attempts, Storm edged the quarter 9 goals to 7 but Liskeard were pleased with their first quarter and hopeful they could hold their own in this match.
The Tigers set the mark during the second period. From the off the whole team lifted their game, interceptions throughout the court, coupled with some long range shooting from Sophie Hocking, saw the Tigers score 5 goals with no reply. GD Vicki Hastings had the measure of the Storm GA; strong defending and numerous turnovers ensured she had just 2 attempts at goal and Tigers won the quarter 11 goals to 5.
Starting the third quarter with a 4 goal advantage Liskeard didn’t want to become complacent as they knew Storm would be ready to take the game. But again the Tigers worked hard, the set plays cemented the foundation of the team and all the players fought well and played their own game.
GA Amie Hoskin found her range against the tall defence, working the ball around the circle through C Emma Dalton and Jo Glossop to keep possession and ensure every chance at goal. Despite a change to the Storm attack they still couldn’t match the strong Liskeard defence; interceptions were picked off by both WD Holly Lemon and Hastings before reaching the shooting circle.
Julia Eldridge replace Dalton at C for the final quarter, and going in with a 7 goal cushion Liskeard were confident they could win the match. However, becoming complacent, sloppy passes and missed shots kept Storm in the game. Liskeard worked hard to slow the game down and keep possession and although Storm won the quarter by one goal Tigers had done enough to get the win, taking the game 34 - 28 and limiting Storm to just one losing bonus point.
Coach Rudi Britz said “I am very happy with the win. We started playing the game as we should be playing it at last. Still lots of silly mistakes, especially in the first quarter, but it came together in the second quarter, and Storm found it difficult to keep the pace. The set plays are beginning to become a second nature now, and the girls know where the ball is going to be passed next, which is important, and when it works, it's a pleasure to watch. Well done to all of you.”
Pictures by Glen Rogers
TIGERS LEAVE IT TOO LATE TO COME BACK AGAINST ST AGNES
LNC Tigers 30 - 31 St Agnes
Starting line-up: GK Lucy Smale, GD Holly Lemon, WD Erin Beale, C Jo Glossop, WA Amie Hoskin, GA Sophie Hocking, GS Christina Broad. Res. Vicki Hastings
Liskeard Tigers hoped to maintain their winning streak when they welcomed St Agnes to Lux Park. Due to absence and illness there was a new starting line up, with Panther Christina Broad stepping in at GS.
Despite taking an early lead Liskeard struggled to settle into the game and silly mistakes gave St Agnes the chance to disrupt the play further and take the quarter
7-10.
Hastings came off the bench for the second quarter with Lemon going to WD. Defensively Liskeard started to find their feet and slow the St Agnes attack but they still couldn’t get the edge in the mid court. The team fought hard to draw the quarter, leaving them still 3 goals behind.
Beale returned at Centre for the second half, with the attack moving back to their more familiar positions and Broad dropping to the bench. Still the Tigers had to battle hard to get through the strong St Agnes defence which was causing problems all over the court. The Tigers each knew what game they should be playing but they weren’t at their recent best and allowed St Agnes to dominate; giving them a 5 goal lead going into the last.
Broad replaced Hocking for the final period and at last Liskeard started to play their own game. Lemon and Hastings picked off numerous interceptions and fed the ball back down the court. Working hard to narrow the gap Liskeard soon found themselves just a couple of goals behind. Excellent shooting from Broad, netting 9 out of 12 attempts, inspired the team who threw everything at the game to bring the scores level. However, with a turnover in the final 60 seconds St Agnes scored, winning the game by just one goal.
COUGARS LOSE OUT TO LASTONET IN THE LAST MINUTES OF PLAY
Lastonet [6] 37 - 36 LNC Cougars
Line-up: GK Rachel Congdon, GD Lauren Finch, WD Sophie Thomas, C Siobhan Howe, WA Louise Piner, GA Emma Thomas, GS Vicky Ford. Res Debbie Drinkell & Amelia Bridges
Cougars were looking for their 5th away win of the season when they made the long trip to Camborne to face Lastonet’s 6th string.
Cougars started strongly, intercepting a loose pass which GA Emma Thomas was quick to convert to take an early lead. Cougars did not have it all their way in the first quarter however, and with the tall Lastonet GS ensuring her team kept in touch with the score, the first quarter ended with Cougars having a slender 1 goal advantage to lead 8 - 9.
No changes were made in the second quarter but Liskeard came out stronger with both GS Vicky Ford and Emma Thomas finding their range, shooting confidently from distance with some impressive goals. With only one missed goal Liskeard extended their lead to 19 - 23.
Debbie Drinkell replaced Siobhan Howe at Centre and Amelia Bridges came on in place of Louise Piner at WA for the 3rd quarter. Straight away Cougars were on the attack, adding 3 quick goals to their growing tally. The momentum however was short lived as Lastonet regained their focus and replied with 3 goals of their own. GK Rachel Congdon did well to mark the GS, and with GD Lauren Finch and WD Sophie Thomas working the ball up the court Liskeard ended the quarter 26 - 32.
Going into the last with a 6 goal lead, Howe came back on court at Centre and Drinkell went to GK. The home side were quick to take advantage of some silly mistakes and Cougars quickly saw their lead evaporate. Lastonet levelled with only a minute to go and a delay in getting the ball back to Howe and a footwork giving away possession saw the ball again converted by the 6’1” Lastonet GS for her team to take the game 37 - 36.
Although it was a disappointing end to the match there was some great team play including some excellent shooting by Emma Thomas and Vicky Ford. Lauren Finch was awarded captain’s player of the match for her persistence and great defending. Cougars can now look forward to a six week break from the league before they’re next match in January.