PANTHERS STRUGGLE TO FIND THEIR FLOW AGAINST NEWQUAY 3

With a completely new line up and in the absence of a number of key players, including both shooters, due to illness/injury Panthers knew that it wouldn’t be an easy match.  Along with this both reserves only had 2 quarters left to play so needed to be deployed carefully.  Cougars player Collins stood in for Broad as GS while Dunn stepped forward for the position of GA.  Halliday replaced Dunn as WA and recently promoted Drinkle took up C.  Jeffrey made her second appearance in Panthers as GK.

 Drinkle adjusted well to playing center and worked the ball forward efficiently.  Jeffrey made a positive impact in defence taking a number of early interceptions and working well with GD Finch.  Understandably Panthers took a while to get into their flow and Newquay crept ahead, but it soon became apparent that Panthers slow start could not be entirely attributed to absent team members.  Passing was very sloppy and the ball fumbled on numerous occasions to Newquay’s advantage.  Newquay did not play a fast game, which should have benefited Panthers, but they failed to get their flow going in the first quarter, despite a number of successful interceptions and good dodging in the shooting circle, and the quarter ended disappointingly with Panthers 3 – 10 behind.

 In the second quarter players Drinkle, Halliday and Dunn moved back to their regular positions (GK, C and WA respectively) and Ford took to the court as GS.  Play flowed well through the mid-court but Panthers could not manage to net the ball due mainly to poor passing, mis-timed dodging and certainly in part due to Newquay’s towering and proficient GK who scooped up every high ball, sending it back for instant conversion.  With little gained by a struggling Panthers team the quarter ended 5 - 24 in Newquay’s favour.

 Panthers changed their line up yet again in the third quarter following coaching and advice from Tigers Lucy Smale and Holly Lemon during half time.  Finch moved forward to WD making way for Jeffrey in GD and Brewer replaced Collins in GA.  In turn Collins moved to GS.  Finally Panthers seemed to settle, paying more attention to their passing and timing dodges more accurately.  Brewer consistently excelled at coming forward into space and helped to advance the play into the goal circle, also picking off balls in the mid-court when the play was reversed.  The play now passed more smoothly throughout the court and the Panthers began to show their true form, with the scores for the quarter lying at 7 goals all – but unfortunately the cumulative score already stood at 12-31 to Newquay, so perhaps too late for Panthers to have made their move.

 Having finally found their flow Panthers decided to keep the line-up unchanged for the final quarter.  The defence worked well together and some excellent interceptions were made by Drinkle to turn the play around.  Dunn and Halliday showed consistency through the mid-court and Collins and Brewer effectively used dodges and pass-backs to get the ball to the net.  Unfortunately Panthers were too far behind for any type of comeback and the game ended with Newquay in the lead by 39 goals to 17.  Regardless of this the team felt pleased that they had managed to recover from the first half’s panic and pull a couple of decent quarters out of the bag, especially when taking into consideration that they had fielded a team that had not practised together.

 Player of the match was awarded to Louise Halliday for consistently backing up the rest of the play.

PANTHERS FOUGHT HARD AGAINST PREDATORS AT HOME

Liskeard Panthers 31 - 44  Predators 2  

Starting line-up: GK Debbie Drinkell, GD Lauren Finch, WD Sophie Thomas, C Louise Halliday, WA Emma Dunn, GA Vicky Ford and GS Christina Broad. Res: Sarah Collins and Lynn Webb

With Panthers almost back to full strength, the team began slowly against a young and fast Predators team.  The pace of the first quarter was rapid and saw both teams making errors with inaccurate passing before settling into the game. Drinkell applied pressure to the Predators attack with some great interceptions. Captain’s player of the match Sophie Thomas intercepted numerous passes throughout the match as well as supporting play well down the court. The first quarter ended 4-9 to the visiting Predators.

As the game progressed Predators continued to dominate, however Ford showed good movement around the circle edge to help feed passes into the Panthers shooting circle. Dunn and Halliday tried hard to make themselves free, in order to move the ball down the court, with back up from Finch and Thomas.

At half time Dunn and Halliday switched positions and Webb replaced Drinkell at GK. Immediately Webb made her presence known with some carefully timed interceptions and added pressure. This allowed Panthers to overturn some play, although Predators ended the quarter with a lead of 32-19.

Going into the final quarter Collins replaced Ford at GA and Drinkell came back on to replace Finch at GD. Panthers started strong with renewed confidence. Broad showed her skills with accurate shooting from across the circle. Collins’ shooting and help with feeding within the Panthers attacking third allowed them to maintain an attacking edge.  At one point Panthers closed the gap to just a 10 goal lead but Predators didn’t let up and the game ended 31 - 44 to the visitors.

VALIANT EFFORT FROM PANTHERS AGAINST TOP OF THE LEAGUE TEAM STORM

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.

PANTHERS BATTLE IT OUT AGAINST FALCONS BUT JUST MISS OUT ON VICTORY

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.

VICTORY AT LAST FOR PANTHERS

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.

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.

TANTALISINGLY CLOSE FOR PANTHERS BUT STILL CHASING FIRST WIN

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.

PANTHERS STILL STRUGGLING TO BAG THEIR FIRST VICTORY FOLLOWING DISAPPOINTMENT AT REDRUTH

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.

PANTHERS LOSE OUT TO PREDATORS AFTER HARD FOUGHT GAME

PREDATORS [2]  44 - 34  LNC PANTHERS

Starting line up: GK Rachel Congdon, GD Lauren Finch, WD Sophie Thomas, C Louise Halliday, WA Emma Dunn, GA Laura Carroll, GS Christina Broad. Res Debbie Drinkell, Lynn Webb

Panthers travelled to Penair School to play Predators without GK Judith Grayston (injured) and WA Talyn Hutchings (unavailable). In addition to the 5 regulars, Panthers took 4 Cougar defenders. The match started with Predators definitely in a hurry to set a unassailable target for the visitors adding 8 goals to Panthers  2 in the first half of the opening quarter. Panthers however were not phased and with some strong defending by GD Lauren Finch and GK Rachel Congdon limiting the shooting options of the Home shooters and turnover balls in the midcourt being converted by the Liskeard Attack Panthers were able to come within 1 goal to end the quarter 10 - 9.

Panthers remained unchanged for the second period of play but soon came under pressure from the strong Predator court presence. As the quarter progressed it became apparent that Panthers would have to be on top of their game to threaten the Predator lead but once again Panthers rose to the challenge levelling the scores with some amazing long range shots from GS Christina Broad. Predators were not to outdone however and after a couple of mistakes in the midcourt were able to draw away with a 3 goal advantage at half time taking the score to 22 – 19.

Captain Lauren Finch made some changes at the half way point, Centre Louise Halliday was replaced by Debbie Drinkell, Rachel Congdon went to GD, Lauren Finch went to WD and making her debut for Panthers Lynn Webb went to GK.  The play that followed was frustrating for both sides with neither one gaining an advantage. Predators however stepped up the pressure with their own changes resulting in a strong passage of play to extend their lead to 8 goals.

More changes for Panthers followed with Louise Halliday coming back on to Centre, Debbie Drinkell going to GK and Sophie Thomas returning to court at WD. This proved to be a competitive evenly matched quarter. Louise Halliday and WA Emma Dunn worked hard to feed the balls into the two shooterswith some spectacular shooting from Broad and GA Laura Carroll. GK Debbie Drinkell and GD Finch made the home shooters work for every ball incurring some useful contact calls in their favour which were duly converted having been worked up the court by some strong supporting play by Thomas at WD.

Although Panthers were unable to catch Predators there were a lot of positives to be taken from the match. It was the highest score of the season and certainly it was evident that what they had been working on in training was beginning to pay dividends. Player of the match was awarded to Rachel Congdon for stepping up her game and being tenacious in defence.