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.
TIGERS’ HARD WORK PAYS OFF WITH A WIN AGAINST NEWQUAY
NEWQUAY [2] 35 - 49 LNC TIGERS
Starting line up: Kay Barker (GK), Lucy Smale (GD), Holly Lemon (WD), Emma Dalton (C), Jo Nickle (WA), Christina Broad (GA), Kirstie Chappell (GS). Reserves: Erin Beale.
After a close defeat away at Penryn the previous week, Liskeard Tigers were still searching for their first win since early December. Knowing that Newquay 2 were a tough side Tigers were a little nervous but with Cougars winning the early fixture that night confidence was high amongst the club.
Without the injured West, Broad took up the GA bib and Smale moved to GD with Barker back to GK; the rest of the team remained unchanged.
The two teams matched goal for goal for much of the first quarter, as they both settled into the game. Great defence and mid court play meant it was left to both sets of shooters to establish a lead, and Liskeard faired the better, ending the quarter strongly and winning 10-9.
With the two shooters swapping positions and the rest of the team staying the same, the enthusiastic Tigers were ready for the second period. Overturning the Newquay centre pass the momentum was with them, and great shooting from both Chappell and Broad saw 5 goals with no reply from Newquay. Tough circle defence and great partnership working from Smale and Barker controlled the Newquay shooters and kept their attempts to a minimum. Lemon and Smale supported the attack in the mid court and controlled the play to keep possession and maintain the advantage. Tigers won the quarter 13-7, leaving the scores 23-16 at half time.
The third quarter saw the 2 shooters swap back to their original positions and an injury early in the second half to Barker saw Smale drop back to GK and joined by Lemon in the circle, with Beale coming off the bench to WD. Beale settled in quickly; Tigers continued the same great standard of play and were all encouraged by their own performances. Dalton and Glossop fed short, sharp passes into the circle and on form shooting from Broad, who did well stepping up from the Panthers, kept the side in front; doubling the score of Newquay for the period, winning 14-7, and giving them a lead of 37-23 going into the last.
Tigers knew they needed to retain possession in the last quarter and not get excited with the win in sight. The two shooters rotated again for one last time, and the whole team settled in quickly with play. Newquay upped the pressure and caused the turnover but Liskeard fought back. Much like the first period the teams matched their goals but the Tigers had already done the hard work and despite drawing the quarter, they took the win 49-35.
The whole side were pleased with their performance and all commented that it was an enjoyable match for both sides. Player of the Match went to Lucy Smale for her tough defending but also her great mid court support when playing GD.
Captain Chappell said “This was just the morale boost that Tigers needed. Every single player worked so hard and so well tonight, you could tell we all really wanted the win and it was a real team effort. Well done girls!”
TANTALISINGLY CLOSE FOR PANTHERS BUT STILL CHASING FIRST WIN
LNC PANTHERS 42 - 40 LASTONET [4]
Starting Line up: GK Sophie Thomas, GD Lauren Finch (captain), WD Erin Beale, C Louise Halliday, WA Emma Dunn, GA Laura Carroll, GS Christina Broad. Reserves: Vicky Ford & Katie Brewer.
Panthers came to the court positive and confident for this home game and this reflected in their play. With Panthers goalkeeper Grayston still unavailable due to injury Thomas took up the GK role, working well with Finch in the shooting circle, while the recently named Beale took up position in WD. The attacking players used set-plays effectively to work the ball forward from center passes, with Dunn and Carroll moving into space well, and Broad was on fire - barely missing a shot. Lastonet put up a good fight but could not get ahead and the quarter ended 14-13 in Liskeard’s favour.
The line up remained unchanged in the second quarter and Panthers continued to play well, with good movement and timing seeing the ball move seamlessly down the court. Dunn and Halliday worked the ball well around the circle and Carroll held her space effectively. Broad’s shooting remained spot-on and some good interceptions by Finch and Beale were converted smoothly into goals for Liskeard. The quarter ended with Panthers storming ahead at 25 goals to 19.
In the third quarter Brewer brought fresh-legs to the court, replacing Beale in WD. Panthers continued to work the ball well but Lastonet had bought on their secret weapon in the form of a towering shooter who, despite her best efforts, Thomas could do little to impede. Lastonets defense too began to increase their pressure on the shooters resulting in some conversions, and Lastonets managed to edge ahead by the end of the third quarter to 33-31.
Panthers took to the court with an air of determination in the final quarter. Victory seemed to be within their grasp and at only 2 goals behind they felt that they could push ahead if they gave it their all. Beale returned to the court as C, while Halliday moved back into WD. The team was on top form and although Lastonet came out fighting for the win Panthers were determined not to let it go. Interceptions by the defense were followed up by excellent movement in the mid-court and exceptional shooting. It seemed inevitable that Panthers would push ahead within minutes but the horn sounded for full-time, cutting short their flurry of success just short of the victory they were hoping for, and the match ended 42-40 to Lastonet 4.
Panthers will go home positive and encouraged from this match, knowing that they have the capability for success. A win must surely be around the corner! Player of the match was awarded to Christina Broad for her near perfect shooting record.
IMPROVED PLAY BUT STILL NO WIN FOR PANTHERS
SAINTS [5] 40 - 29 LNC PANTHERS
Starting line up: GS Christina Broad, GA Laura Carroll, WA Gabi Duffey, C Louise Halliday, WD Sophie Thomas, GD Lauren Finch and GK Rachael Congdon Res: Erin Beale and Vicky Ford.
With a slightly different starting line up from usual, Panthers began their away game against a very young Saints team. Saints took an early lead before Panthers began to settle and find their flow. Some excellent interceptions and defence from Rachael Congdon (GK) and great supportive play from Lauren Finch (GD) helped limit Saints’ movement allowing Panthers to find their flow. However, with a few wayward passes and some rapid play, Saints took the first quarter by 13 goals to 4.
The second quarter saw Erin Beale replace Sophie Thomas at WD with a focus of moving into space. Some great feeds into the circle by Gabi Duffey (WA) supported by Louise Halliday (C) lead to some good shooting from both Christina Broad (GS) and Laura Carroll (GA) and Panthers were able to build on their goals. Despite this the very young Saints team continued to move the ball carefully down the court, although intercepted on several occasions by Erin Beale (WD), they continued to extend their lead further by 23-11.
The third quarter saw Vicky Ford come on as GA and Laura Carroll replace Christina Broad at GS. This was by far Panthers best quarter and the team were able to overturn several centre passes resulting in a narrowing gap at one point of 6 goals. With some great movement and shooting from both Carroll and Ford the shots continued to flow. The Panther’s defence of Congdon and Finch continued to pressurise the Saints shooters and the end of the third saw a closer score of 29-22.
In the last quarter, Beale moved to centre and Thomas came on as WD and continued to pressure the Saints attack. Although spirits were high, Panthers were unable to maintain their momentum ending the match 29 to Saints’ 40. It proved to be an enjoyable and fun game, despite the loss.
COUGARS FINALLY BREAK THEIR LOSING STREAK WITH A WIN AWAY TO ST AGNES
ST AGNES [5] 16 - 27 LNC COUGARS
Starting line up: GK Lynn Webb, GD Rachel Congdon, WD Liz Julian, C Sarah Collins, WA Katie Brewer, GA Gabby Duffey, GS Hannah Gregory. Res Molly Walsh & Sophie Thomas
It was a tentative start with both teams taking a while to settle into the match. St Agnes seemed to have the best of the early play and had edged ahead by 2 goals with 10 minutes gone. Two stunning long shots by GS Hannah Gregory levelled the scores and for the next 5 minutes Cougars were able to build on the momentum ending the first quarter 4 – 7.
Debbie Drinkell acting as temporary coach implemented a number of changes for the second period of play. New LNC member Molly Walsh went on at Centre, Hannah Gregory went to the bench, Katie Brewer went to GA, Sarah Collins went to WA and Gabby Duffey went to GS. Cougars defence were dominant during this quarter limiting the St Agnes to only 1 goal. Some excellent midcourt play by WD Liz Julian, WA Sarah Collins and Centre Molly Walsh linked well into hardworking GA Katie Brewer. GS Gaby Duffey maximised the shooting opportunities under the post ensuring every shooting opportunity was converted. Cougars ended the 2nd quarter 5 – 14.
Sophie Thomas playing her last game for Cougars replaced Liz Julian at WD, Hannah Gregory returned to Court at GS, Gaby Duffey went back to GA, Sarah Collins was rested and Katie Brewer went back to WA. The home team came back to court the more determined after the break and were able to turn over the Cougar Centre Pass. Every ball was pressurised by the St Agnes players and with more turnovers and balls being available to the home shooters the Liskeard defence of GK Lynne Webb and GD Rachel Congdon rose to the challenge with Webb making some key interceptions under the post and Congdon making the GA work hard for every ball. Cougars were able to retain the upper hand and were able to extend their lead at the end of the quarter 8 – 20.
Yet more changes were made at the start of the 4th Quarter saw Collins return to WA, Duffey went back to GS and Brewer went to GA. This was to be St Agnes quarter with them just able to dent the Liskeard lead. Cougars had done enough however and some accurate shooting by Duffey and possetional play around the Midcourt saw Liskeard Cougars collect maximum points and a win. Final score St Agnes 16 – Liskeard Cougars 27.
Player of the Match was Molly Walsh for her excellent Midcourt play.
PANTHERS STILL STRUGGLING TO BAG THEIR FIRST VICTORY FOLLOWING DISAPPOINTMENT AT REDRUTH
Connect [3] 48, LNC Panthers 30
Starting Line up: GK Sophie Thomas, GD Lauren Finch (captain), WD Emma Dunn, C Louise Halliday, WA Katie Brewer, GA Vicky Ford, GS Christina Broad. Reserves: Debbie Drinkle & Erin Beale.
Panthers started the match positively keeping a steady pace and working the ball efficiently into the shooting circle where shooters Broad and Ford netted some excellent shots. Panthers debutant Brewer hit the floor running, moving into space well and passing effectively. Dunn worked very well in defense with Thomas and Finch and the quarter ended with Panthers ahead by ten goals to eight.
The two-goal lead was encouragement to the Panthers, giving them a glimpse of what could be their first victory, and they returned to the court in the second quarter determined to keep ahead. Drinkle took to the court as GK and Thomas replaced Dunn in WD who in turn took over from Brewer in WA. Panthers continued to put pressure on Connect by marking tightly, with some particularly good tips made by Halliday. Possessional play and tight passes prevented too many conversions by Connect, but their rangey GA did not miss a shot and they managed to creep ahead. The quarter ended with Connect leading the way by 18 goals to 17.
It was still all to play for in the third quarter with only a one-goal deficit to make up. Beale brought fresh legs to the court, replacing Halliday as C, and teamed up well with Dunn working the ball forward. Drinkle worked hard against the GS but Finch struggled to keep the GA at bay, and with her long reach she picked off all the rebounds and continued shooting at an amazing rate. In the shooting circle Ford did an excellent job, winning all of the rebounds, and Broad continued to shoot well. However, some balls started to go astray due to mis-timed dodges, missed catches and players struggling to come forward. Connect seemed more determined, winning and converting most of the loose balls and the quarter ended 29-24 in their favour.
It was clear at ¾ time that Panthers had lost heart, and at only 5 goals behind this seemed like a shame as increased determination may have seen a more positive result. Halliday resumed her position as C, linking well in the mid-court, and Beale moved back to replace Thomas in WD. The shooters continued well but struggled to get ball-side against a tough defense, which meant that passing into the shooting circle was less effective. Drinkle continued to make some good tips, but with the GA finding easy access to the circle the Connect goal tally continued to rise. Connect seemed even more determined with their increased lead and their energy levels did not wane, whereas Liskeard seemed to be lacking that final boost. The game ended with Connect’s five-goal lead extended to a rather disheartening 18-goal advantage and a final score of 48-30 to Connect 3. This was a disappointing result for Panthers after such a positive start and their first victory still evades them.
Player of the match was awarded to Emma Dunn for her continued determination throughout the match.
HOME DEFEAT FOR TIGERS AT THE HANDS OF PENRYN
TIGERS 32 - 44 PENRYN
Starting line up: Lucy Smale (GK), Kay Barker (GD), Holly Lemon (WD), Emma Dalton (C), Louise Halliday (WA), Robyn Edgecombe (GA), Kirstie Chappell (GS). Reserves: Christina Broad.
After their close match against Connect in December, Liskeard Tigers felt refreshed from the Christmas break and were looking forward to seeing what opposition Penryn would bring. With the absent Jo Nickle, Panther Louise Halliday took up the WA bib with Robyn Edgecombe replacing the injured Sarah West. Liskeard opened the scoring on their first centre pass and managed to still Penryn’s first centre too. Both teams settled in quickly, being more or less goal for goal for the entire quarter which ended 11-9 to Liskeard.
Liskeard were glad to be in the lead and were keen to keep this going into the second, but Penryn had other ideas. They had used the first quarter to suss out the Tigers, and come the 2nd quarter they had made some changes in their play. Penryn defence put pressure on the Liskeard shooters, picking off balls and making numerous turnovers. And with the Penryn GS being very tall, Smale struggled to get the height needed to intercept the passes, Penryn had got their eye in and the quarter ended 16-21.
Half time saw Tigers having a word with each other to try and pick up their spirits. Tigers defence instantly started off strong, Smale and Barker doubled up on the GA and the extra pressure soon saw the turnovers beginning to come. Great mid-court play from Lemon, Dalton and Halliday saw the ball starting to make its way to the shooting circle and Edgecombe and Chappell started to net the goals. Unfortunately injury to Edgecombe saw her come off, with Chappell moving to GA and Broad moving into GS. But luckily for Tigers, Broad settled in straight away netting her first goal from long range and tigers ended up having their best quarter which ended 25-29.
With Tigers keeping the same line-up they were within 4 going into the last quarter. They wanted to go for the win but Penryn had other ideas. Every goal Tigers got, Penryn ended up getting 2, and although Lemon and Barker were putting up a good fight, they couldn’t stop the ball making its way to the tall GS. Injury from Chappell early on, saw Edgecombe come back on as GA. Edgecombe’s fighting spirit earned her player of the match but unfortunately Tigers never recovered, 9 goals in quick succession from Penryn and the win was out of site. The match ended 32-44 to Penryn.