STRONG WIN FOR COUGARS AT HOME TO ST AGNES
LNC Cougars 46 - 16 St Agnes [5]
Starting line up: GK Lynn Webb, GD Rachael Congdon, WD Liz Julian, C Sarah Collins, WA Amber Jefferies, GA Vicky Ford, GS Gabi Duffey. Res Katie Brewer.
Cougars welcomed new player Amber Jefferies to the team as well as Gabi Duffey who was returning to the starting line up after her injury of 6th Feb. In the absence of Molly Walsh, Sarah Collins took the Centre position but the rest of the team remained unchanged.
Despite St Agnes winning the toss Cougars quickly showed their intent with a well timed challenge from GD Rachael Congdon, Cougars quickly capitalised and were able to set St Agnes a target of 5 unanswered goals in the first 5 minutes of play. With some impressive shooting by GS Gabi Duffey Cougars continued their attack and were able to end the first quarter 12 - 5.
No changes were made for the second quarter and more impressive play from the home side enabled them to extend their lead. The defence of GK Lynn Webb and Congdon worked well to limit the St Agnes attack. WD Liz Julian made some great interceptions which were duly worked down the court by Jefferies and Collins. More consistent shooting from Duffey coupled with some great support play in the circle by GA Vicky Ford increased the Cougars’ lead to 21 - 7 at half time.
Congdon replaced Webb at GK at the start of the third quarter with Jefferies dropping back to GD and Katie Brewer coming on at WA. Once again the work at both ends of the court was impressive by the Cougars and some positive play by the two wings linking with the Centre enabled them to remain in command, ending the quarter at 33 - 14.
At the restart hardworking Collins was rested with Brewer going to Centre. Webb returned to GK and Jefferies and Congdon returned to their former positions. Despite trailing heavily at this stage St Agnes never gave up and made sure that the Cougars had to work hard for their victory. With 5 minutes to go an injury to GS Duffey meant Sarah Collins came back onto Court as her replacement.
With a fantastic team performance, Acting Coach Debbie Drinkell was spoilt for choice for a Player of the Match but in recognition of some superb support play it was given to Rachael Congdon with Gabi Duffey a very close second. Final score Liskeard Cougars 46, St Agnes [5] 16.
VALIANT EFFORT FROM PANTHERS AGAINST TOP OF THE LEAGUE TEAM STORM
Storm [3] 51, LNC Panthers 26
Starting Line up: GK Sophie Thomas, GD Lauren Finch (captain), WD Molly Walsh, C Louise Halliday, WA Katie Brewer, GA Emma Dunn, GS Christina Broad. Reserves: Sarah Collins
Panthers knew it would be a tough game against Storm 3 who are currently unbeaten in division 4, especially with another new line up and several players out due to injury. Young players Molly Walsh and Katie Brewer took to the court as WD and WA respectively, Sophie Thomas moved into GK and Emma Dunn took on the challenge of GA.
Panthers made a strong start matching Storm goal for goal. Brewer worked well with Centre Louise Halliday, coming forward for the ball and feeding into the shooting circle effectively. GS Christina Broad made some excellent dodges, leaving Storms formidable GK standing, and netted all but one of her attempts at goal. Eventually Storm managed to turn over one of Panthers centre passes and get ahead by one goal. Their subsequent centre pass, however, was quickly overturned with an interception by Thomas in the goal circle and the teams continued to battle it out goal for goal. It was only in the final minutes that Storm managed to get ahead, and the quarter ended 14 – 10 to Storm.
Panthers continued to fight hard in the second quarter, but Storm had tightened up their defence making Panthers have to work much harder for the ball. Panthers scored from their first centre pass but then Storm got ahead by a further three goals, with some excellent interceptions from their unrelenting GK. Not disheartened, Panthers managed to turn things back around, with Thomas and GD Lauren Finch continuing to work hard and take interceptions in the defence circle. The play then went back and forth with both teams equally determined. Halliday and Walsh managed to pick off some excellent balls in the mid-court and Brewer continued to move the play forward well. Broad and Dunn had their work cut out, but worked the circle well together. Again, it was in the closing minutes of the first half that Storm really made their break, and the first half ended 24-15 to Storm.
For the second half Halliday and Walsh exchanged positions. Storm continued to mark tightly throughout the court and Panthers struggled to find space. This forced an increased number of overhead passes which were easily intercepted and converted by Storm, who managed to push ahead more quickly this quarter. A few good interceptions by Panthers defence saw the play turned around, but Storm quickly won back the ball before a conversion could be made. Panthers attack had to really work for every goal scored, given very little room to manoeuvre by the Storm defence. The quarter ended with Storm leading the way by 39 goals to 21.
Panthers gave it their all for the last quarter, determined to stay within half and take at least one point away from the game. Thomas came off due to injury and was replaced in the final quarter by Cougar Sarah Collins, who made a commendable effort at GK. Storm continued to pile on the pressure, forcing errors from a flagging Panthers team, and pushing the scores to 48-23 putting Panthers out of the points. Panthers did not give up though and determinedly fought to stay in the game. Mirroring Storm they closed in on their players and interceptions were seen up and down the court generating sufficient conversions to get back within half. The game ended 51-26 to Storm and, although it was another loss, Panthers were pleased to take home a point from this tough game. Player of the match was awarded to Katie Brewer for her hard work throughout, and Christina Broad was also commended for her fantastic shooting and movement in the circle.
TIGERS HOLD OUT FOR A DRAW AWAY TO PENZANCE
Penzance [2] 40 - 40 LNC Tigers
Starting line up: Lucy Smale (GK), Kay Barker (GD), Holly Lemon (WD), Louise Halliday (C), Jo Nickle (WA), Kirstie Chappell (GA), Robyn Edgecombe (GS). Reserves: Erin Beale
Liskeard travelled the distance to Penzance hoping to build on their big loss the previous week to Bodmin. Without injured Sarah West and Emma Dalton, Louise Halliday started at centre with Robyn Edgecombe and Kirstie Chappell fulfilling the shooting roles.
Liskeard got off to a shaky start, and despite appearing the stronger side, their own sloppy passes gave Penzance an early lead. Finding themselves 8-2 down during the quarter, the Tigers slowly found their feet and started to improve their game. Lemon, Halliday and Nickle worked the ball well up the court and good shooting from Edgecombe and Chappell saw the scores being pulled back to 10 all at the break.
Going into the second period, Beale replaced Halliday for fresh legs in the mid court and Chappell and Edgecombe switched in the shooting circle. Liskeard continued their confident play from the end of the first quarter. Chappell and Edgecombe were netting their shots which encouraged the whole side to work harder. Smale and Barker made some great interceptions for Tigers defence, and the turnovers started to come. Much better play from the Tigers saw them win the quarter 10-7 and go into half time in front.
Beale came off for Halliday again for the 3rd, with Chappell moving back to GS and Smale and Barker swapping in defence. Liskeard started well and the practised centre passes worked with ease into the circle. An injury to WD Lemon saw Beale come off the bench and yet again, Liskeard let unforced errors affect their play. The Penzance defence had started to read the play and interceptions in the circle meant they could capitalise. A tough quarter for Liskeard, but great back up in the mid court by Smale saw Tigers going down by just 1 goal, maintaining a small lead going into the last.
An ankle injury to Barker meant already injured Lemon coming on at GK for the final period. However, Lemon gave it her all and brilliant interceptions plus her previous play earned her player of the match. A couple of quick goals in succession kept the Tigers in front and the team were pushing towards the win. However, with both Penzance shooters rarely missing, and their defence putting increased pressure on the Liskeard attack, Penzance pulled the scores level. Goals stayed with the centre pass, and in the dying seconds, Penzance scored to draw level at 40 goals apiece.
A disappointing result for the Tigers with the win well within their sights; but having lost to Penzance at home already this season, they were pleased to come out with at least the draw.
COUGARS SUFFER HEAVY DEFEAT AT THE HANDS OF ST AGNES
St Agnes [4] 37 - 14 LNC Cougars
Starting line up: GK Lynn Webb, GD Debbie Drinkell, WD Liz Julian, C Sarah Collins, WA Katie Brewer, GA Hannah Gregory, GS Vicky Ford. Res Molly Walsh
Having won against highly placed Penzance 5 the previous week, Cougars were confident they could continue their winning ways but having arrived late to the venue they were slow to react to a forceful and attacking St Agnes team. The visitors had to wait until almost the end of the first quarter before they could get off the mark and with St Agnes having played some great netball they took the first quarter 11 goals to 1.
Going into the second, Sarah Collins replaced Lynn Webb at GK freeing the C for Molly Walsh. Although a better quarter by the Cougars, passing errors and footwork calls in the midcourt enabled St Agnes to turn over far too many balls and the visitors were unable to stop the attack. The second quarter ended with St Agnes way ahead at 22 - 4.
With an uphill struggle in front of them Cougars regrouped for the half time team talk. Webb returned to GK and versatile Collins replaced Hannah Gregory at GA with the hope that added height in the circle would make the feeds easier. Centre Walsh and WA Katie Brewer worked hard in the midcourt linking well with WD Liz Julian and GD Debbie Drinkell but again Cougars were not able to break down a determined St Agnes. The third quarter ended St Agnes 32, Cougars 9.
Webb and Drinkell swapped positions for the final quarter and this was to be Liskeard’s best passage of play. Defence tightened up and more shooting opportunities were afforded to the Liskeard attack. Both GS Vicky Ford and GA Collins scored some lovely long range shots and Cougars finally settled, unfortunately it was too little too late and although they drew the final quarter St Agnes were worthy winners. Final Score St Agnes 37 – Cougars 14.
Player of the match was Sarah Collins for her versatility and great movement in the shooting circle.
PANTHERS BATTLE IT OUT AGAINST FALCONS BUT JUST MISS OUT ON VICTORY
Falcons [1] 38, LNC Panthers 35
Starting Line up: GK Lynn Webb, GD Lauren Finch (captain), WD Sophie Thomas, C Louise Halliday, WA Emma Dunn, GA Laura Carroll, GS Christina Broad. Reserves: Erin Beale
Following their first win the previous week, Panthers felt positive and confident, hopeful that this could be the beginning of a winning streak. With Panther Grayston still out injured, Webb took up her position as GK.
Falcons scored from Panthers first centre pass, but loopy passes by Falcons saw Finch picking off all the long balls and Panthers immediately turned things around. Falcons couldn’t seem to get ahead, with Halliday and Dunn disrupting their flow in the mid-court and Panthers shooters on top form and holding their space well. With 100% of Carrolls shots on target in the first quarter Panthers were soon ahead by nine goals to five. Unfortunately Falcons managed to push through a flurry of goals towards the end of the quarter, which ended with the scores even at ten goals all.
Falcons immediately took the lead in the second quarter, turning over Panthers’ centre passes and taking the scores to 13-10. Panthers struggled to net the ball but, with Carroll picking off all the rebounds, they soon resumed their flow. With some good interceptions by Dunn in the mid-court, and Webb and Finch causing problems for Falcons attack, Panthers managed to edge ahead, ending the first half 21-20 to Panthers.
Beale took to the court in the third quarter, replacing Thomas in WD, and Broad and Carroll swapped positions in the shooting circle. Both teams fought hard over the first few centres, with the ball going up and down the court several times before eventually going with the centre pass. Beale made an impression, taking several good interceptions, and Broad was on top form in the shooting circle pushing Panthers further ahead. But, towards the end of the quarter, Falcons defence started to close in - restricting Panthers attacking play and, with a few turnarounds on the trot, they managed to move ahead by the end of the quarter to thirty goals to twenty-eight.
Panthers came out strong in the final quarter, determined that a second win would not escape them, with Thomas back in WD and Broad and Carroll back in their original positions. Despite Webb putting pressure on the GS, and numerous interceptions by Thomas and Finch, Falcons managed to take the lead and were soon 5 goals ahead. Panthers fought hard, winning back lost balls in the mid-court through excellent interceptions from Halliday and Dunn, and causing problems for Falcons shooters. Combined with excellent shooting from both Broad and Carroll, Panthers pulled back to level the scores but unfortunately Falcons seemed to have all the luck towards the end of the game and, despite further turnarounds by a determined Panthers team, they took the game by thirty-eight goals to thirty-five.
Panthers left the game feeling disappointed but not disheartened and remain hopeful for further victories. They take to the court again next Thursday for a home match against Storm 3. Player of the match was awarded to Louise Halliday.
TIGERS EFFORTS POINTLESS AGAINST TOP OF THE LEAGUE BODMIN
Bodmin 44, Tigers 18
Starting line up: Lucy Smale (GK), Kay Barker (GD), Holly Lemon (WD), Louise Halliday (C), Jo Nickle (WA), Kirstie Chappell (GA), Robyn Edgecombe (GS). Reserves: Christina Broad, Debbie Drinkell
Liskeard Tigers travelled away to Bodmin for their 2nd meet this season. After their loss to Bodmin at their home match, Tigers were keen to give them a good fight. Tigers Emma Dalton was out from injury so Louise Halliday stepped in as Centre, and although Tigers didn’t have their original line up, they were ready for the match.
Bodmin opened the scoring getting the first 3 goals of the game and settled in well. Tigers seemed a little shaky from this but once Edgecombe netted their first goal, they got into their stride. Some great defending from Smale and Barker saw the turnovers start to come, but brilliant defending by the Bodmin defence meant to ball was struggling to get into the Tigers shooting circle. Although Tigers got a turnover and scored the last goal of the quarter, it ended 7-4 to Bodmin.
The 2nd quarter saw Barker come off, with Lemon moving to GD and Drinkell coming on as WD. The quarter started off slow for both teams with the first four attempts on goal being missed. Chappell, who had switched positions with Edgecombe opened the scoring for Tigers, but Bodmin were quick to respond; the shooters had got their eye in, and were making Tigers defence work very hard. Good midcourt work by Nickle and Halliday, backed up by Lemon and Drinkell saw the ball coming down to the Tigers shooting circle, but great pressure from Bodmin defence yet again saw the ball struggling to make its way in; the high balls were getting picked off, and missed shots were getting quickly turned over which were netted at the other end. The quarter ended 16-9 to Bodmin.
Tigers knew it wasn’t working and they needed to change things up, they reverted to the original line up but with Broad replacing Chappell as GA. Although Tigers had their best shooting quarter, the opportunities in the circle were limited; Bodmin had really closed down on the mid court players and Tigers were struggling to get the ball up court. Meanwhile Liskeard defence were still battling hard down the other end but Bodmin shooters were on fire, with the GS only missing one goal and between them netting a massive 18 goals in that quarter alone, they had increased their lead beyond the comeback of Tigers. The quarter ended 34-15 to Bodmin.
Tigers heads were down, but a quick pep talk during the break lifted them slightly. They knew they were unlikely to win but they still wanted to put up a fight going into the last. Changes came in the form of Chappell coming on as GK with Smale going into GA and Bodmin had also changed their attack. Tigers played well, moving the ball up court but Bodmin defence were just too good at reading the play and passes into the circle were once again limited. The turnovers started to happen for Bodmin and the new shooter settled in quickly. Tigers defence still held their own and great interceptions throughout the match by Lemon earned her player of the match. Tigers continued to battle to the end, but the match ended 44-18 to Bodmin.
VICTORY AT LAST FOR PANTHERS
LNC Panthers 45, Connect [3] 42
Starting Line up: GK Lynn Webb, GD Lauren Finch (captain), WD Molly Walsh, C Louise Halliday, WA Emma Dunn, GA Laura Carroll, GS Christina Broad. Reserves: Katie Brewer & Hannah Gregory.
Another new line up for Panthers: Cougar Webb took position in GK and recently affiliated Molly Walsh started at WD. Panthers started strong, working the ball forward well with GA Laura Carroll holding her space effectively and GS Christina Broad making some excellent shots. Webb worked well in defence with GD Lauren Finch, making some excellent interceptions, but Connect 3 managed to creep ahead by 3 goals, and the quarter ended 12-9 in their favour.
The three-goal deficit did not dishearten Panthers, and they returned to the court in the second quarter all the more determined to get ahead. Louise Halliday moved into WD and Walsh took her place at C. Halliday adapted capably to her position in defence, impeding the WA and helping Finch to block the evasive GA. Walsh took well to her position as centre, having played in this position for Cougars, and worked effectively with WA Emma Dunn. The changes seemed to pay off as Panthers managed to even out the scores. This proved to be the encouragement Panthers needed, and with and continued shooting success, they fought on to end the quarter six goals ahead at 23-17.
With this lead behind them, Panthers returned to the court with a new sense of optimism. The line-up remained unchanged as the Panthers were determined to build upon their lead. From the centre passes the ball was worked forward effectively following the set plays, and Dunn and Walsh supported well at the circle edge. Broad made easy work of dodging away from her player, Carroll held her space, and the shots continued to fly through the net.
Webb continued to make numerous interceptions but in the mid-court the turned-over balls were often lost due to inadequate spacing of players and lack of players in the mid-court. Connect managed to make up the deficit and the scores, which had looked certain for a Panthers victory, drew even. Panthers continued to work determinedly though, and through continued interceptions in the mid-court and defence, and improved spacing in the mid-court they managed to regain their lead and the quarter ended 34-28 to Panthers.
After a tantalising quarter of loss and subsequent gain it was even more important to remain focussed for the final quarter. With problems in the mid-court now mostly ironed out the play flowed more smoothly through from the defence. Although interceptions were still being made the GA proved tricky to block out of the circle and Connect continued to get in the shots. Connect seemed determined to push ahead and the scores began to close in, but Panthers remained more determined still and the match ended with Panthers winning by a breath-taking 45 goals to 42.
Panthers’ first victory comes as such a long awaited relief to all of the team, who have worked so hard all season to no avail. Hopefully this will provide a kick-start to their winning streak! Player of the match was awarded to Christina Broad for her excellent shooting.
COUGARS FIGHT BACK TO CLINCH VICTORY AGAINST PENZANCE
Penzance [5] 27 - 29 LNC Cougars
Starting line up: GK Debbie Drinkell, GD Rachael Congdon, WD Liz Julian, C Sarah Collins, WA Katie Brewer, GA Hannah Gregory, GS Vicky Ford. Res Molly Walsh
Cougars were keen to build on their successful start to the year. However Penzance made the brighter start and were able to progress to a 4 – 1 advantage at the end of the first 5 minutes. Play was interrupted by an injury to GD Rachael Congdon who after the restart swapped with GK Debbie Drinkell. Cougars soon regrouped and the 1st quarter ended with Penzance leading 9 – 6.
Molly Walsh took the Centre bib at the start of the second quarter resting Sarah Collins. The rest of the positions remained unchanged. This was Penzance’s strongest quarter with their GD putting enormous pressure on Hannah Gregory at GA. Cougars always looked lively on the turnover ball however, and were able to limit the Penzance advantage to 4 goals at the close of the 2nd quarter; Penzance 15, Cougars 11.
Stand in Coach Sophie Thomas encouraged the team at half time, Hannah Gregory was rested, Katie Brewer went to GA and Sarah Collins returned to WA. Cougars started the second half positively quickly winning some turnovers on the Penzance Centre Pass courtesy of WD Liz Julian. Some great feeds into the Liskeard shooting circle by Walsh and Collins and some solid defending by Congdon and Drinkell brought the game level at 18 all. Penzance however were not going to give up the game and were able to fight back to have a 2 goal advantage going into the final stanza; Penzance 20, Cougars 18.
Hannah Gregory came back onto court at WA, Collins went to GA and Drinkell and Congdon swapped bibs in defence. With a Cougars Centre pass on the restart the visitors were able to put pressure immediately on the slim Penzance lead. Goals then went with Centre passes; Collins and GS Vicky Ford were able to convert any balls into the circle and the strong Penzance GS ensured all her opportunities were utilised. With 2 minutes to go however, WA Gregory was able to take advantage of a loose ball and Cougars got the breakthrough they had been working hard to achieve. Vicky Ford held her nerve and Liskeard were able to see out the quarter and the match; Final score Penzance 27, Liskeard Cougars 29.
Player of the match was Liz Julian for her great interceptions throughout the match. After the game Captain Vicky Ford praised her team for their resilience and hard work and improved passing.
PROMISING START ENDS IN HEAVY DEFEAT FOR PANTHERS
Penzance [3] 44, Panthers 20
Starting line up: GS Laura Carroll, GA Louise Halliday, WA Katie Brewer, C Molly Walsh, WD Liz Jullian, GD Erin Beale and GK Sophie Thomas. Reserve: Hannah Gregory.
Due to several regular Panther's players being unavailable, the team was made up of a mixture of players.
Panthers started strong despite having many players out of position. Erin Beale worked very well as GD with Sophie Thomas securing many rebounds. Louise Halliday tried hard to support Laura Carroll in the shooting circle to allow Panthers to take the first quarter by a goal.
Spirits were high leading into the second. With continuous effort from Katie Brewer and Molly Walsh trying hard to feed the ball down to the shooters. Liz Jullian hassled the Penzance attack well to limit the feeds into the circle. The quarter ended with Penzance just three goals ahead.
Before beginning the third quarter, Panthers switched Hannah Gregory into WD. She settled well and found some good space. However, the third quarter saw Penzance find their stride and extend their lead considerably, leaving Panthers with a vast gap to close down.
Louise Halliday moved to centre for the final quarter with Molly to WD, Katie Brewer to GA and Hannah Gregory to WA, unfortunately it proved too little too late as Penzance finished the game 44-20.