Starting line up: GK Rachael Congdon, GD Amber Jefferies, WD Liz Julian, C Molly Walsh, WA Hannah Gregory, GA Gabi Duffy, GS Vicky Ford. Res Katie Brewer

Second quarter Hannah came off and Katie went on as WA
Third quarter Rachael went to GD and amber went to GK
Four quarter Hannah came back on as WA Katie went to WD and Liz came off

 Cougars travelled to Penair School to face Penzance in their final match of the season. They got off to a great start, gaining a lead against Penzance with a score of 9-5 at the end of the first quarter.

 Some fantastic shooting from Gabi Duffey and Victoria Ford, whilst Amber Jeffery, Rachael Congdon and Liz Julian did a great job back in defence but as the game progressed Penzance began to pull back. Liskeard kept their heads though and continued to work hard. Great mid court play from Molly Walsh and Katie Brewer allowed Cougars to maintain their lead and they won the game 36-28.

 Molly Walsh was awarded player of the match and overall it was a brilliant end to the season for cougars, ending on a high!

Newquay 3 39 - 17 Liskeard Panthers

Starting Line up: GK Amber Jeffrey, GD Lauren Finch (captain), WD Sophie Thomas, C Debbie Drinkle, WA Louise Halliday, GA Emma Dunn, GS Sarah Collins.  Reserves: Vicky Ford & Katie Brewer.

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.

Starting line-up: GK Lynn Webb, GD Rachel Congdon, WD Liz Julian, C Molly Walsh, WA Amber Jefferies, GA Vicky Ford, GS Gabby Duffey. Res Katie Brewer & Sarah Collins

Liskeard Cougars welcomed bottom of the League Newquay 4 to Lux Park for the last home game of the season. Having won the away fixture by a mere 4 goals Cougars knew Newquay would be more than capable of making life difficult for them. Cougars started the brighter of the two teams however and some strong attacking play by Gabby Duffey and Vicky Ford in the Cougar shooting circle ensured an early advantage. A serious finger injury after 5 minutes to GK Lynn Webb enforced an early change and versatile Sarah Collins took the bib. Newquay however soon found their feet and were able to match the home team in the latter part of the quarter.

Liskeard Cougars went into the 2nd period of play with a 4 goal advantage leading the visitors 10 - 6. Katie Brewer came off the bench to go to Centre, Molly Walsh went to WA the rest of the team remained unchanged. This was to be Newquays quarter however as Cougars were unable to find their rhythm. Handling errors and some tight defending by the opposition limited Cougars opportunities and the visitors brought the game right back to trail by a single goal at half time, Liskeard Cougars 16 Newquay 15.

Coach Debbie Drinkell urged the team to dig deep for the third quarter. Jefferies returned to court as GD, Rachel Congdon dropped back to GK, Molly Walsh was rested replaced by Sarah Collins, and Katie Brewer went to WA. Despite so many changes Cougars settled quickly with Jefferies making her presence in defence known with some great interceptions from the Newquay Centre pass. Cougars were able to look after the ball in a far more effective way working the ball through the midcourt and effectively feeding into the two shooters. This was a much better passage of play by the home team and they were at last able to draw away from the hardworking visitors to extend their lead at the end of the third quarter Liskeard Cougars 29 Newquay  21.

Walsh came back on as Centre and Shooters Duffey and Ford switched positions for the start of the final quarter. Congdon and Jefferies teamed up really well in the Newquay shooting circle getting some great interceptions. Liz Julian at WD supported the attack with some well-timed centre court "steals" and the partnership of Walsh and Brewer were posing real problems for the Newquay defence. Gabby Duffey was unstoppable in the shooting circle and Vicky Ford was able to maximise any opportunities that were initially missed. Newquay too played some great netball in this quarter managing to score 9 goals to Cougars 12. Final score Liskeard Cougars 41 - Newquay 4 30.

Coaches player of the match was Gabby Duffey for her fantastic shooting in the 3rd and 4th quarters.

Starting line up: Lucy Smale (GK), Holly Lemon (GD), Lauren Finch (WD), Erin Beale (C), Louise Halliday (WA), Robyn Edgecombe (GA), Kirstie Chappell (GS). Reserves: Emma Dalton, Christina Broad.

 Liskeard started their final campaign of the season with a trip away to Truro based Saints 4. With four matches in the remaining two weeks of the season, it’s a tough run for the struggling side.

 In the absence of Jo Nickle and Kay Barker, Louise Halliday started in WA with Erin Beale in C; Lauren Finch stepped up from Panthers to play WD with Holly Lemon dropping back into the defence circle.

Saints started the better side and it was evident from the off what a well-drilled, rehearsed side they were. Pressure in the circle from Smale and Lemon lead to the turnover ball but the Tigers failed to capitalise with unforced errors throughout the court. However, they persevered and once they settled into the game, Liskeard fought back and ended the quarter 7-6.

 Returning from injury Emma Dalton replaced Halliday for the 2^nd period. A tough quarter for the Tigers with the defence penalised for obstruction giving free shots to the on-target Saints shooters. But good mid court work by Beale and Dalton saw the ball make its way to the shooting end, and better circle play from Chappell and Edgecombe gave them more space for Edgecombe to control the drive and be better placed for goal.

 Again the Tigers were slow out the blocks at half time and Saints scored 10 goals to Liskeard’s one! A wake up call for the side who were able to respond and scored 5 goals with no reply from Saints. Lemon and Finch continued to disrupt throughout the court and intercepted many circle feeds to unsettle the Saints attack. A confident second half of the quarter for the Tigers with all players upping their game, but the damage was done early on and they lost the quarter 11-8.

Going into the last quarter, captain Chappell asked her side to continue to enjoy the match and not be disheartened by the final score. A major change of Chappell and Smale swapping in attack/defence in preparation for their next match, could have unsteadied the side, but the whole team worked together and encouraged each other. Smale worked hard to feed the circle where she could and at the other end Chappell supported Lemon well. However, a dominant final quarter from the Saints, coupled with fatigue from the Tigers saw them run out winners at 43-26.

 Despite the large defeat, the Tigers all enjoyed the match. Player of the Match was awarded by the umpire to Lucy Smale for her strong, persistent defending, but also for keeping her head when switching from defence to attack. With the prospect of relegation on their hands, Liskeard travel to Redruth next to face second in the table Connect 1.

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.

   WHAT'S COMING UP:

 Sat 1st June: End of Season Party at Lord Eliot House Hotel

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.

Storm [3] 51, LNC Panthers 26

Starting Line up: GK Sophie Thomas, GD Lauren Finch (captain), WD Molly Walsh, C Louise Halliday, WA Katie Brewer, GA Emma Dunn, GS Christina Broad.  Reserves: Sarah Collins

Panthers knew it would be a tough game against Storm 3 who are currently unbeaten in division 4, especially with another new line up and several players out due to injury.  Young players Molly Walsh and Katie Brewer took to the court as WD and WA respectively, Sophie Thomas moved into GK and Emma Dunn took on the challenge of GA.

Panthers made a strong start matching Storm goal for goal. Brewer worked well with Centre Louise Halliday, coming forward for the ball and feeding into the shooting circle effectively.  GS Christina Broad made some excellent dodges, leaving Storms formidable GK standing, and netted all but one of her attempts at goal.  Eventually Storm managed to turn over one of Panthers centre passes and get ahead by one goal.  Their subsequent centre pass, however, was quickly overturned with an interception by Thomas in the goal circle and the teams continued to battle it out goal for goal.  It was only in the final minutes that Storm managed to get ahead, and the quarter ended 14 – 10 to Storm.

Panthers continued to fight hard in the second quarter, but Storm had tightened up their defence making Panthers have to work much harder for the ball.  Panthers scored from their first centre pass but then Storm got ahead by a further three goals, with some excellent interceptions from their unrelenting GK.  Not disheartened, Panthers managed to turn things back around, with Thomas and GD Lauren Finch continuing to work hard and take interceptions in the defence circle.  The play then went back and forth with both teams equally determined. Halliday and Walsh managed to pick off some excellent balls in the mid-court and Brewer continued to move the play forward well.  Broad and Dunn had their work cut out, but worked the circle well together.  Again, it was in the closing minutes of the first half that Storm really made their break, and the first half ended 24-15 to Storm.

For the second half Halliday and Walsh exchanged positions.  Storm continued to mark tightly throughout the court and Panthers struggled to find space.  This forced an increased number of overhead passes which were easily intercepted and converted by Storm, who managed to push ahead more quickly this quarter.  A few good interceptions by Panthers defence saw the play turned around, but Storm quickly won back the ball before a conversion could be made.  Panthers attack had to really work for every goal scored, given very little room to manoeuvre by the Storm defence.   The quarter ended with Storm leading the way by 39 goals to 21.

Panthers gave it their all for the last quarter, determined to stay within half and take at least one point away from the game.  Thomas came off due to injury and was replaced in the final quarter by Cougar Sarah Collins, who made a commendable effort at GK.  Storm continued to pile on the pressure, forcing errors from a flagging Panthers team, and pushing the scores to 48-23 putting Panthers out of the points.  Panthers did not give up though and determinedly fought to stay in the game.  Mirroring Storm they closed in on their players and interceptions were seen up and down the court generating sufficient conversions to get back within half.  The game ended 51-26 to Storm and, although it was another loss, Panthers were pleased to take home a point from this tough game.  Player of the match was awarded to Katie Brewer for her hard work throughout, and Christina Broad was also commended for her fantastic shooting and movement in the circle.

Starting line up: Lucy Smale (GK), Kay Barker (GD), Holly Lemon (WD), Louise Halliday (C), Jo Nickle  (WA), Kirstie Chappell (GA), Robyn Edgecombe (GS). Reserves: Erin Beale

Liskeard travelled the distance to Penzance hoping to build on their big loss the previous week to Bodmin. Without injured Sarah West and Emma Dalton, Louise Halliday started at centre with Robyn Edgecombe and Kirstie Chappell fulfilling the shooting roles.

Liskeard got off to a shaky start, and despite appearing the stronger side, their own sloppy passes gave Penzance an early lead. Finding themselves 8-2 down during the quarter, the Tigers slowly found their feet and started to improve their game. Lemon, Halliday and Nickle worked the ball well up the court and good shooting from Edgecombe and Chappell saw the scores being pulled back to 10 all at the break.

Going into the second period, Beale replaced Halliday for fresh legs in the mid court and Chappell and Edgecombe switched in the shooting circle. Liskeard continued their confident play from the end of the first quarter. Chappell and Edgecombe were netting their shots which encouraged the whole side to work harder. Smale and Barker made some great interceptions for Tigers defence, and the turnovers started to come. Much better play from the Tigers saw them win the quarter 10-7 and go into half time in front.

Beale came off for Halliday again for the 3^rd, with Chappell moving back to GS and Smale and Barker swapping in defence. Liskeard started well and the practised centre passes worked with ease into the circle. An injury to WD Lemon saw Beale come off the bench and yet again, Liskeard let unforced errors affect their play. The Penzance defence had started to read the play and interceptions in the circle meant they could capitalise. A tough quarter for Liskeard, but great back up in the mid court by Smale saw Tigers going down by just 1 goal, maintaining a small lead going into the last.

An ankle injury to Barker meant already injured Lemon coming on at GK for the final period. However, Lemon gave it her all and brilliant interceptions plus her previous play earned her player of the match. A couple of quick goals in succession kept the Tigers in front and the team were pushing towards the win. However, with both Penzance shooters rarely missing, and their defence putting increased pressure on the Liskeard attack, Penzance pulled the scores level. Goals stayed with the centre pass, and in the dying seconds, Penzance scored to draw level at 40 goals apiece.

A disappointing result for the Tigers with the win well within their sights; but having lost to Penzance at home already this season, they were pleased to come out with at least the draw.

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.