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.
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.
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.
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.
COUGARS’ HARD WORK DOESN’T PAY OFF AGAINST STRONG ST AGNES SIDE
COUGARS 30 - 40 ST AGNES [4]
Starting line up: GK Sarah Collins, GD Rachael Congdon, WD Hannah Gregory, C Robyn Edgecombe, WA Katie Brewer, GA Gabi Duffy, GS Vicky Ford
With 3 regular team members missing, Cougars started with a new look line-up for their last home match of the year. Sarah Collins swapped her Centre bib for the more unfamiliar GK position, Hannah Gregory started at WD and new member Robyn Edgecombe took the Centre position. Cougars won the toss and for the first 10 minutes were able to more than match the slick passing visitors. Unfortunately this was not to last as a nervous 5 minutes enabled St Agnes to capitalise and take the lead 11 goals to 6.
Late arriving Sophie Thomas took over at WD and Cougars once again started strongly with GA Gabi Duffy looking lively in the midcourt linking well with WA Katie Brewer. St Agnes however, soon responded making GK Collins and GD Rachel Congdon work hard in the defensive circle. This hard work was somewhat in vain however, as the strong St Agnes shooters once more found their distance netting almost any attempts that came their way. Despite some brilliant long shots by GS Vicky Ford, Liskeard were unable to make any inroad into the deficit and ended the half 7 goals behind at 14 - 21.
The 3rd quarter began with hardworking Robyn Edgecombe going to GK, Hannah Gregory going to GA and Gabi Duffy taking the Centre position. Cougars were not granted the flying start they were hoping for however and were stunned by a rapid St Agnes attack that saw 3 goals being added to their already growing tally without reply. A spell of fairly unsettled play then followed with neither team able to advance the ball up their respective halves of the Court. But then in the final minutes of the quarter some determined play by the two wings Thomas and Brewer linking well to Centre Duffy enabled Cougars to add 5 quick goals of their own to end the 3rd quarter 22 - 30.
Still believing that they could overhaul the deficit Cougars never gave up in the final quarter. Despite some brilliant work in the Circle by the versatile Edgecombe (now at the more familiar GA position) linking well with WA Brewer and GS Ford Liskeard were unable to dent the now unassailable lead that the Visitors had built up. The match ended Liskeard Cougars 30 - 40.
Coach Rudi Britz commended the team for their hard work especially the players who had played out of position to cover the gaps he awarded player of the match for the second game running to WA Katie Brewer for her determination and hard work throughout the match.
COUGARS’ SUCCESS CONTINUES WITH A WIN AGAINST LASTONET
Lastonet [6] 22 - Cougars 30
Starting line up: Lynn Webb (GK), Rachael Congdon (GD), Sophie Thomas (WD), Sarah Collins (C), Gabi Duffey (WA), Vicky Ford (GA), Hannah Gregory (GS). Reserves Liz Julian
Liskeard Cougars faced Lastonet 6 away at Camborne for their 2nd match of the season. Starting out strong, Cougars stole the first goal from Lastonet’s first centre, quickly turning this into 2. Lastonet faught back and quickly got 3 goals in a row. Webb battled hard against the very tall and very good shooter, and great court play from Collins saw the ball starting to make its way to the shooting third. Captain Ford had a very good opening quarter shooting and great work with Gregory in the circle ended the quarter with Cougars one goal down 9-8.
2nd quarter saw Webb come off, to be replaced at GK by Thomas, and Julian coming on as WD. Lastonet came out fighting from the off, managing to get a 4 point lead, but with great mid court work by Julian and Duffey and some brilliant interceptions by Congdon, Cougars fought back and started getting the turnovers. Brilliant work around the circle by Gregory (which would later earn her player of the match) and excellent shooting by Ford, eventually took them into a 14-15 lead.
The 3rd quarter saw Webb back on as GK and Thomas back as WD and a re-structure in the Cougars shooting third. Lastonet’s mid court players were strong and Cougars struggled slightly as Lastonet started to read their play, but great back up from Thomas and Congdon, and support from Collins stopped Cougars from getting flustered. Duffey, who had moved back to GA, had an outstanding quarter extending their lead to 18-25.
The final quarter went back to original line up but with Collins as WA and Duffey as C. Great defensive partnership in the circle from Congdon and Webb saw the GA only have one shot at goal. Cougars started tiring towards the end and Lastonet were putting up a fight, especially in the cougars shooting circle, but Cougars managed to hold out for the win with the final score ending 22-30.
Supporter, and Liskeard Tigers player Holly Lemon said ‘The Cougars are starting to really gel now, it was a great game to watch, and a great team effort from the all the girls – well done!’
First win of the season for Liskeard Cougars
Liskeard Cougars 27
Connect 4 23
Starting line up: GK Debbie Drinkell, GD Rachel Congdon, WD Sophie Thomas, C Sarah Collins, WA Gabi Duffey, GA Vicky Ford, GS Hannah Gregory. Res Lynn Webb & Liz Julian
Both teams had a nervy start to the game, but it was Cougars who established a slight lead going into the closing minutes of the first quarter. The visitors however, ended the stronger levelling the scores at 5 all. Coach Rudi Britz made no changes for the 2nd quarter but urged the team to continue with 3 stage defending.
Some strong shooting by the Connect GA meant that Cougars were always on the back foot during this period of play. The quarter ended all square at 10 – 10.
Coach Rudi Britz made several changes for the second half. Drinkell moved to Centre, Liz Julian came on at WD, Webb went to GS and Sophie Thomas took the GK bib. Connect took advantage of the many changes and upped their game in this quarter, Cougars continued to attack though and put pressure on the visitors preventing both player and ball progression during this quarter. WA Gabi Duffey worked hard with Drinkell to present as many shooting opportunities as possible but strong play by the visiting GD made the home team work hard for every goal. The quarter ended with the visitors just ahead by 15 – 18.
It was all change again in the final quarter, but it would be the move of Gabi Duffey to GA that would influence the final outcome of the game. Both GS Vicky Ford and Duffey showed strength in the shooting circle taking advantage of C Sarah Collins and WA Hannah Gregory’s positive play. In the defensive circle hardworking GD Rachel Congdon made her opposite work for every pass and Lynn Webb made sure of the rebounds, good linking through the court by versatile WD Thomas made this quarter the best one. Cougars were able overturn the 3 goal deficit to win the match 27 – 23.
Coach Britz awarded a joint player of the match to Rachel Congdon and Gabi Duffey for their determination especially in the final quarter.
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.
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