PANTHERS OPEN THE SEASON AWAY TO NEWQUAY
Newquay [3] 40, LNC Panthers 30
Starting Line up: GK Debbie Drinkell, GD Lauren Finch (captain), WD Emma Dunn, C Talyn Hutchings, WA Louise Halliday, GA Laura Carroll, GA Christina Broad, res. Sophie Thomas.
Panthers made the journey to Newquay Sports Centre ready to put their new line up to the test, with Debbie Drinkle standing in for Judith Greystone.
The team worked well together, with new member Talyn Hutchings getting to grips with the set plays and Laura Carroll working well in the circle with Christina Broad. Unfortunately some silly mistakes and bad balls saw the first quarter end 11 - 7 in Newquay’s favour.
The line up remained unchanged for the second quarter and Emma Dunn worked well in her new defensive position with Lauren Finch but although Liskeard tried to improve their play, an excellent shooter on the Newquay side meant that any lost balls were converted and the half ended with Newquay’s lead increased to 19 – 14.
After half time Louise Halliday replaced Talyn Hutchings as C, Emma Dunn moved to WA and Sophie Thomas came on as WD where she put pressure on the GA by double-marking, forcing her to stay back in the shooting circle. Even so, Newquay managed to push ahead to 30 – 20 by the end of the third quarter.
Panthers came out fighting in the final quarter with Sophie Thomas replacing Debbie Drinkle as GK. Debbie Drinkle took to the mid-court as C, while the versatile Louise Halliday moved back to WD. A series of well timed set plays, excellent passing and spot on shooting including some amazing long shots by Christina Broad brought the Panthers to within five points of the leading team but unfortunately Newquay 3 managed to pull it back and the game ended with Newquay ahead by 40 goals to 30.
Although many areas for improvement were highlighted the Panthers all enjoyed their first game together and look forward to working on the points identified. Player of the match was awarded to Christina Broad.
COUGARS LOSE OUT TO CONNECT IN THE LAST QUARTER
Connect [4] 24, Cougars 23
Starting Line up: GK Debbie Drinkell, GD Rachel Congdon, WD Maria Jordan, C Louise Piner, WA Kerry Elliott, GA Emma Thomas, GS Vicky Ford
The last game of the season against Connects 4th team saw a disappointing result for Cougars – with only 7 players available together with an early start scheduled for the match the visitors were up against it from the start.
Both teams started slowly but it was Cougars who had the best of the early play. Centre Louise Piner made some brilliant interceptions in the Connect 3rd turning over the ball into the safe hands of GS Vicky Ford for an early advantage. Connect settled toward the end of the quarter however and pulled the deficit back to 4 goals finishing Cougars 8, Connect 4.
A slow paced second half saw defenders GK Debbie Drinkell and GD Rachel Congdon get the better of the two Connect shooters making them work hard for every ball into the circle. Cougars were unable to draw away from their opponents though as the Connect defence tightened up piling pressure on GS Ford forcing her to take balls at the edge of the circle. Some superb shooting from Ford and GA Emma Thomas however keep the Cougar lead at 4 goals with the 2nd quarter ending Liskeard 14, Connect 10.
Cougars played their best netball during the third quarter with WA Kerry Elliot and WD Maria Jordan ensuring a safe transition down the court resulting in an increase in the lead by a further 7 points, but with 5 minutes to go Connect responded with 3 goals in succession once again bringing the score to within 4, setting the scene for a competitive final quarter.
This proved to be a scrappy affair with both teams making errors of judgement. But with the Connect GS gaining in confidence and some handling errors from the Cougars, the home side were able to take the lead leaving the Cougars no time to respond. Final score Connect 24, Liskeard Cougars 23.
Well done to all the players, especially Kerry Elliot who played despite having had a car accident at the weekend, and to Rachel Congdon who was awarded Captains Player of the Match for her supporting play and tireless defending.
TIGERS FINISH THEIR SEASON WITH A WIN AWAY TO SAINTS
Saints 36, Tigers 41
Liskeard Tigers travelled to Truro to face the young Saints side in their final match of the season.
Saints opened the scoring from the Liskeard centre pass but the Tigers settled quickly and GA Hoskin started to convert her many attempts at goal. Liskeard pulled a 7 goal lead with no response from Saints but their GS found her way into the game to pull back some of the deficit and end the quarter 10-7 to Liskeard.
The Tigers remained unchanged for the second period and were able to extend their lead. GD Hastings had the measure of the GA, ensuring she was unable to create the chances for Saints and fed the ball carefully down the court. Both shooters had a storming quarter, scoring 14 out of 18 attempts; great circle play supported by both Dalton and Glossop gave the team more opportunities which were duly converted by Hocking and Hoskin. Liskeard extended their lead to 7 goals at half time.
Eldridge replaced Dalton for the third quarter and the fresh legs gave Tigers an added advantage. Glossop covered the court well, supporting both defence and attack. Liskeard started to slow the game to their own pace, despite their enthusiastic opposition, and all that had been practised throughout the season was evident. Smale picked off the rebounds and with Hastings having a great game, she and WD Lemon played the ball down to attack. Both backed up the attacking play to retain possession and the team took the quarter 12-7 to extend their lead further.
Dalton returned for the final quarter but complacency and tiredness began to falter Liskeard’s play. 3 goals with no reply pulled Saints back into the game but Liskeard weren’t going to be beaten and fought back to go 10 goals in front. They knew the win was theirs but they allowed Saints back again, through sloppy passes and poor play. Fewer attempts for both shooters, and great shooting from the Saints GS saw the scores narrow to just 5 goals. However, the hard work was done earlier in the game and Liskeard took the win 41-36, also ensuring Saints just the one bonus point.
COUGARS FIGHT BACK TO SECURE A VICTORY IN THEIR FINAL HOME GAME THIS SEASON
Liskeard Cougars 34, St Agnes [5] 32
It was an unusual start to Cougars last home game of the season. Due to sickness, injury and prior commitments and with GA Emma Thomas delayed, Cougars took to the court with only 6 players. Defender Lynn Webb started at GA, versatile Louise Piner replaced injured Siobhan Howe at Centre and Maria Jordan replaced absent Kerry Elliot at WA with the WD position remaining vacant
Cougars won the toss and for the first 5 minutes held their own and taking a 5 goal to 3 lead. Unfortunately the lack of a WD was becoming noticeable with the St Agnes team making use of the space afforded by its absence. Cougars struggled to contain an increasingly confident Aggy attack and were relieved when “missing” Cougar Emma Thomas was cleared to come on court with 90 seconds to go in the first quarter. St Agnes took the first quarter leaving Liskeard a lot of work to do in the remaining 3 quarters, Liskeard 5, St Agnes 12.
Emma Thomas took over at GA freeing Lynn Webb to return to GK, Debbie Drinkell went to GD and Rachel Congdon took the WD bib. Defence became very tight and Cougars worked hard to prevent any advance by the visitors. They produced some good transitional play down the court with Centre Piner and WA Jordan ensuring shooters Vicky Ford and Emma Thomas had quality balls into the circle. Cougars took the quarter thanks to some superb shooting by Ford to trail by just 2 goals at the end of the quarter, Liskeard 17 St Agnes 19 .
No changes were made for the rest of the match as Cougars sensed victory and the third quarter was indeed their strongest. Utilising the momentum generated in the second quarter Cougars applied pressure on all the St Agnes balls resulting in a 27 - 23 lead going into the final quarter.
Captain Drinkells team talk at quarter time reminded the team to stay focussed and with Cougars having the Centre pass at the beginning of play they were confident of a victory. St Agnes however were not beaten yet and came out the more determined pulling back the 4 goal lead to tie the scores at 32 all with just minutes to go. Congdon made a crucial interception which was fed through Jordan to GA Thomas who held her nerve to give Liskeard the slenderest of leads. With a St Agnes Centre taken quickly the visitors came within a whisker of tying the match but Webb sprung into defend and made a brilliant interception. With the ball safely moved up the court Thomas again netted to win a very close and competitive match. Final score Liskeard 34, St Agnes 32.
Player of the match was Louise Piner for an all around strong performance.
COUGARS ARE VICTORIOUS AT HOME TO ST AGNES 4
Cougars 26, St Agnes [4] 21
Starting line-up: GK Debbie Drinkell, GD Rachel Congdon, WD Louise Piner, C Siobhan Howe, WA Kerry Elliott, GA Emma Thomas, GS Vicky Ford. Res Maria Jordan
Liskeard welcomed St Agnes 4ths to Lux Park confident that they would be able to repeat the win of the away fixture earlier in the season.
It was apparent from the first centre pass that both teams were capable of taking the win. St Agnes won the toss but Cougars were able to intercept and turnover the ball to score the first goal. The visitors responded, going 3 goals ahead, but Cougars were quick to overcome the deficit and goals then went with centre pass in an extremely evenly matched game, ending the first quarter level at 6 - 6.
St Agnes were first to apply the pressure, Liskeard defence GK Debbie Drinkell and GD Rachel Congdon working hard to limit the shooting options of the St Agnes attack but despite some well timed interceptions Liskeard were unable to convert and St Agnes began to open up a lead. All credit to the Liskeard attack Centre Siobhan Howe and WA Kerry Elliott who worked tirelessly to support GS Vicky Ford and GA Emma Thomas. Howe making her presence known at both ends of the court in typically energetic style and Ford finding her range netting some superb long range shots to cut the deficit to 1 goal ending the second quarter 11-12.
Louise Piner went to GA and Maria Jordan replaced her at WD for the 3rd quarter. With nothing to separate the 2 teams scoring went with centre pass. Link play through the court by WD Jordan and GD Congdon supported the attack with some excellent possession play and ensured a safe ball transit to the Liskeard shooters. Piner did well to work the ball around the circle ably supported by Elliott.
Scores were tied at 18 all going into the last quarter and hardworking GD Congdon was given a well deserved rest with Emma Thomas taking the bib. Liskeard had the advantage of centre pass and did not squander it. Following some tight defensive work by GK Drinkell and GD Thomas the St Agnes attack were unable to put passes through to the shooters and Liskeard were able to draw away to close the match out victorious - Final score Cougars 26, St Agnes 21.
Captain Debbie Drinkell praised her team who all gave 100% in a well deserved victory. "It was impossible to pick a player of the match as all the girls worked extremely hard in a very competitive encounter.
Special thanks to Mandy Piner who umpired for us at extremely short notice and made it possible for us to play the game.”
Pictures by Glen Rogers
TIGERS HANG ON FOR A DRAW AGAINST TOP OF THE LEAGUE NEWQUAY
Tigers 29, Newquay 29
Liskeard Tigers welcomed division leaders Newquay to Lux Park for their last home game of the season. A win for the Tigers would keep them with a promotional chance but they knew it would be a tough encounter, with Newquay having lost only once all season.
With Emma Dalton unavailable, Julia Eldridge again stepped up into the centre position, the line-up: GK Lucy Smale, GD Vicki Hastings, WD Holly Lemon, C Julia Eldridge, WA Jo Glossop, GA Amie Hoskin, GS Sophie Hocking.
Liskeard opened the scoring and then turned over the Newquay ball through some tough circle defending. Extending to a 3 goal lead the Tigers had control but Newquay were able to pull back through their strong GS. Liskeard led by just one goal at the end of the period.
Encouraged by their first quarter performance, Liskeard wanted to continue controlling the match. Strong defence by Newquay saw the scores draw level but Liskeard upped the pressure.
Smale and Hastings caught the rebounds and turnover ball to securely feed down the court. Possessional play through the mid court from Lemon to Glossop gave the Tigers more chances at goal. With Hoskin shooting at 100% and Hocking helping to create more chances, Liskeard lead 16-12 at half time.
The third quarter started well with Liskeard extending their lead to 6 goals but Newquay meant business and weren’t going to go down easily. A change to their GA, along with the GS having her best quarter of the match, Newquay were soon back in the game. Defensively they restricted Hocking in the circle and fewer goals were being converted. The 6 goal lead was soon forgotten as Newquay started to close the game out and level the scores.
Liskeard were disappointed to have lost their lead but were determined to not throw away the match. Possessional play would again be key as they knew Newquay would pounce on any loose balls. Both teams threw their all into the final 15 minutes; Newquay edged to a two goal lead and the scores matched goal for goal for much of the period. With two minutes to go, and two goals behind, the Tigers pulled together.
A turnover by Hastings was fed swiftly up the court for Hocking to close the score to just one point and then Player of the Match Amie Hoskin scored from Tigers’ final centre pass to give the home side a hard fought and well deserved draw.
The Tigers now need to prepare for another tough fixture, they travel to Truro on Thursday 5th April to face second placed Lastonet.
Pictures by Glen Rogers
TIGERS CONTINUE THEIR WINNING STREAK WITH AN AWAY VICTORY AGAINST ST AGNES
St Agnes 18, LNC Tigers 30
Liskeard Tigers travelled to St Agnes with the hope of continuing their winning streak and keeping their promotional chance alive. After suffering a one goal defeat at the home fixture in December and having never beaten St Agnes before, the Tigers only had one aim for this match.
Without centre Emma Dalton, Julia Eldridge again stepped up to fill the position, with a starting line-up of GK Lucy Smale, GD Vicki Hastings, WD Holly Lemon, C Julia Eldridge, WA Jo Glossop, GA Amie Hoskin, GS Sophie Hocking. Res. Kirstie Chappell, Lauren Finch & Debbie Drinkell
It was a tentative start by both teams but St Agnes opened the scoring and both sides began to settle into the game. Liskeard’s shooters struggled to find their feet against the strong St Agnes defence but they worked hard and with GK Lucy Smale and GD Vicki Hastings putting on the pressure at other end, Liskeard managed to edge out a small lead to finish the period 5-7.
Coach Britz needed to calm his rattled side and he encouraged them to play their slow, rehearsed game. Again St Agnes opened the scoring from a Liskeard centre pass but the Tigers fought hard. Smale and Hastings stuck tightly to their players and with some great interceptions from WD Holly Lemon the ball found the St Agnes circle just 3 times the entire quarter. Turnover balls were fed swiftly down the court and with GS Sophie Hocking getting her eye in she kept the team in front. Great circle play by C Julia Eldridge and WA Julia Glossop, with GA Amie Hoskin continuing the movement, Hocking was able to line up for some great opportunities and Liskeard won the quarter 9 - 3, ending the half with an 8 goal lead.
Liskeard continued to dominate in the 3rd with both Hocking and Hoskin finding their stride and working the circle well to extend the Tigers lead. Lemon and Hastings backed up play in the mid-court ensuring that Liskeard could maintain possession and with another solid performance in defence, St Agnes were again only able to add 3 to their score, compared to The Tigers’ 10.
Going into the final period 26-11 in front, Liskeard knew the long awaited win was all but theirs. Kirstie Chappell replaced Hocking at GS but St Agnes also made some key changes and came out fighting, determined to claw back the defecit. Liskeard struggled to get the ball anywhere near their shooting circle, whilst St Agnes threw everything at the game, intercepting any loose passes and feeding the ball down the court. Knocks to Hastings, Eldridge and Smale unsettled the defence but fortunately the side had already done enough and despite Aggie winning the final period, the Tigers took the match 30 - 18.
Lucy Smale was awarded Player of the Match by Britz for her persistence and hard work in defence.
COUGARS WORK HARD TO SECURE HOME WIN AGAINST STORM
LNC COUGARS 38, STORM [4] 32
Starting Line up: GK Lynn Webb, GD Debbie Drinkell, WD Louise Piner, C Siobhan Howe, WA Kerry Elliott, GA Emma Thomas, GS Vicky Ford. Res. Rachael Congdon, Amelia Bridges & Kirstie Chappell
Having narrowly lost their opening game to Storm 4, Cougars knew it would be a competitive encounter. After a nervy opening 5 minutes Storm pulled ahead capitalising on some Cougar handling errors. The home side settled toward the end of the quarter though and pulled the deficit back to within 2 goals to trail 6 - 8.
Rachael Congdon came on at GD at the start of the second period. Cougars upped their game but were matched by a determined Storm. It went goal for goal for most of the period but thanks to some superb long shots from GS Vicky Ford finding the net, Cougars won the quarter 10 - 7 to lead by 1 goal at half time.
Coach Rudi Britz was keen for the players to maintain their momentum going into the 3rd quarter and brought Kirstie Chappell on at GS and Amelia Bridges to GD. Cougars were quick to settle and WA Kerry Elliot and C Siobhan Howe worked around the circle with class feeding in quality balls to the two Cougar Shooters. It was Cougars’ best period of play with some excellent defending by WD Louise Piner cutting off the supply of balls into the Storm Goal third. Bridges and GK Debbie Drinkell reduced the visitors shooting options and the whole team worked hard to progress the ball up the court. Cougars won the quarter 12 - 6, giving them a 7 goal lead going into the last.
Lynn Webb came on at GK for the start of the final quarter and as expected Storm came out determined to claw back the deficit, challenging for every ball. The visitors pegged the lead back to 3 goals but GA Emma Thomas and GS Chappell kept their nerve and Cougars were able to close out the game winners at 38 – 32.
Britz was delighted with his team’s performance against a quality opposition, congratulating them for working hard at the set plays practised in training and awarding Player of the Match to Emma Thomas.
Pictures by Glen Rogers
TIGERS GET THEIR SECOND WIN OF THE WEEK AT HOME TO SAINTS
LNC Tigers 47, Saints [4] 27
Liskeard Tigers welcomed Saints 4th string to Lux Park for their second fixture of the week. The team were hoping to continue their winning streak but were aware that the young side could cause them a few problems.
Saints opened the scoring going two goals in front before Liskeard started to pull it back. Both teams matched goal for goal for much of the period before Liskeard found their stride and started to dominate. GD Vicki Hastings marked tightly to ensure the GA had just two attempts at goal which meant more opportunities for the Tiger shooters. Good circle play by GA Amie Hoskin and GS Sophie Hocking kept the Tigers in front, winning the quarter 11-7.
The strong Tigers side were somewhat flustered by their youthful opposition and needed to slow the match down in order to play their own game. An injury to Centre Emma Dalton at the start of the second period unsettled the side further, but they knew Julia Eldridge was able to step up to the task. Both WA Jo Glossop and Eldridge supported the shooters, and backed up by WD Holly Lemon, they kept possession and worked the ball into the circle. A flurry of shots from both shooters gave the side a 6 goal lead early on and with Hastings picking off all loose passes, the Tigers finished 10 goals in front.
The 3rd quarter was much stronger by Saints. They weren’t fazed by the Tigers and tried to disrupt the play throughout the court. GK Lucy Smale and Hastings defended strongly but the well-drilled shooters worked for the better chance at goal. Despite how well Liskeard have played of late, they struggled to focus on their game and found themselves chasing the ball. The sides drew the quarter 10 goals each.
Lauren Finch replaced Lemon for the final period and even with a 10 goal cushion the match felt it could still go either way. But Liskeard were ready to prove themselves and had a fantastic final period. More shooting chances and conversions kept Liskeard in the lead and possessional play throughout the court ensured Saints couldn’t take the quick turnover. Hastings all but eliminated the GA out of the game, just one attempt for the period, whilst Smale battled hard with the GS to force the long shots. A much better quarter by the team, with 4 goals on the bounce in the dying minutes, meant that Liskeard won the match 47-27.
Captain Lemon was pleased overall. “It was a much tougher match than we expected and felt a lot tighter than the final score suggests, so all credit to Saints for putting us under pressure. However, we stuck to our plan, and despite some scrappy moments I am pleased with the win.
Amie had a great game, again shooting at neary 80%, and Vicki displayed some fantastic defending, working hard to eliminate her player and deservedly being awarded Player of the Match.”
TIGERS MAINTAIN THEIR WINNING STREAK WITH A CONVINCING VICTORY OVER SILHOUETTES
Silhouettes 19, LNC Tigers 47
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, Kirstie Chappell & Christina Broad.
Liskeard Tigers travelled to St Austell to meet Silhouettes in the hope of doing the double and maintaining 3rd place in the division. Despite a convincing win against the side last month Tigers didn’t want to become complacent and let mistakes creep into their game.
The teams both started tentatively and matched goal for goal for the beginning of the period. However, with Silhouettes having scored 5 goals the Tigers upped their defensive play and ensured no more goals were scored for the rest of the quarter. With rebounds and interceptions from both Smale and Hastings the ball continued to find its way to the Tigers shooters who both began on excellent form with just 3 missed attempts. 10 goals with no reply from Silhouettes gave Liskeard the first quarter win at 17-5.
Silhouettes made several changes for the second, with their stronger shooter moving into the circle. This unsettled the Tigers and it was a low scoring quarter all round. Lemon and Glossop disrupted the mid court play, picking off interceptions where possible. Fewer attempts at goal from Hocking meant GA Hoskin had to lead the play with lots of movement off the ball in order to create the chances. Again Hoskin netted all but 1 goal to keep Liskeard in front, going into half-time 24-9.
An ankle injury to Lemon saw Liskeard make their own changes for this period. Eldridge came off the bench into WA and Glossop moved back to defence. In spite of the changes Liskeard had a strong quarter. Both Hastings and Eldridge picked off interceptions throughout the court and Liskeard had total control of the match. Reduced attempts at goal with few being converted meant Smale could feed the ball out of the circle and up towards the attack. The partnership work of Hocking and Hoskin was excellent, supporting each other in the circle and boosting the whole side. More shooting opportunities for both girls kept Liskeard in front, winning the quarter by 8 goals.
With the strong lead Liskeard welcomed Kirstie Chappell back into the side following injury and Captain Lemon returned to the court. It was a tentative start to the quarter in the shooting circle but partnering well with Hocking, Chappell began to find the form the side had previously been used to. Silhouettes again changed their shooting pairing but this didn’t disturb Hastings or Smale. Patient, possessional play from defence into the mid court meant Liskeard could maintain their lead and not throw away silly passes or make mistakes. Lemon supported the attack and despite fewer converted goals, the Tigers won the quarter 10-5 to record their best win of the season so far.
A strong performance by the side was commended by both their opposition and the umpires. The Tigers were all pleased with the match and particularly the changes they were able to try out. Player of the Match was awarded to Amie Hoskin for her movement in and around the circle and excellent shooting, netting 80% of her attempts at goal.
Tigers now have to prepare for their second game of the week, they will face Saints 4 at Lux Park on Thursday.