Cougars move up to second with a convincing win against Storm 4
LNC Cougars 46
Storm [4] 19
Starting Line-up:
GK Sarah Skews, GD Erin Beale,
WD Liz Julian, C Emma Dalton,
WA Carol Smith, GA Gabi Duffey,
GS Vicky Ford. Res Sophie Thomas
Looking to get back to their winning ways after two very tight away games (a 1 goal defeat followed by a thrilling 50-50 draw), Cougars welcomed Storm 4 to Lux Park.
The home team came out strong, picking off loose passes all over the court and working the ball well into the shooting circle for Vicky Ford and Gabi Duffey to convert. By the end of the first quarter Liskeard were 15-4 ahead.
The second quarter was another great effort from the Cougars. In defence Erin Beale had complete control over the GA, intercepting numerous balls into the circle and working with Sarah Skews to limit any attempts at goal, only conceding 2 for the entire Period. With Carol Smith and Emma Dalton controlling the mid-court and Duffey and Ford still on fine form the home side took the quarter 9-2, leading 24 goals to 6 at half time.
Liskeard made some changes going into the third, with Sophie Thomas coming off the bench to replace Beale at GD and Duffey & Smith switching in attack. The team were slow to settle and Storm took advantage, netting the first 3 goals without reply. Cougars stepped it up with some key interceptions from Liz Julian & Thomas and some superb long range shooting from Ford & Smith but Storm were fighting hard for the bonus point and won the quarter 8 - 11.
Reverting back to their original line-up for the final period Cougars were quick to regain their composure, working hard as a team throughout. Captain Emma Dalton linked the play well and with some tough marking from Sarah Skews and more fantastic shooting from Ford & Duffey, Cougars had their strongest quarter of the game, netting 14 goals to the visitors’ 2 and winning the game 46 - 19.
It was a great result for Cougars, moving them up to second in the league still in with a shot at promotion. They now look forward to the rematch, travelling to face Storm 4 at home next Friday.
A big thanks to Lucy Smale, stepping in to umpire at the last minute.
Pictures by Glen Rogers
Tigers put an end to Silhouettes unbeaten home record!
Silhouettes 27 LNC Tigers 35 Starting Line-up: GK Lucy Smale, GD Holly Lemon, WD Laura Shephard, C Debbie Drinkell, WA Jo Glossop, GA Sophie Hocking, GS Kirstie Chappell. Res Emma Dalton.
Despite two games in a week, including a tough defeat to division leaders Connect, Liskeard Tigers made the trip to St Austell to face Silhouettes.
With Silhouettes unbeaten at home this season Liskeard knew it would be a tough match, then on arrival were faced with a new problem. With their umpire unavailable, Tiger's Centre Julia Eldridge had to step into the breach but with reserves Debbie Drinkell and Emma Dalton sharing centre duties they were ready to go.
Both teams started strong, with Liskeard opening the shooting and the teams were evenly matched for much of the quarter. Drinkell did well throughout the court and linked up with sister Jo Glossop to feed into the shooters. However, with GS Kirstie Chappell wary of her back injury the team didn’t find their stride and it was Silhouettes who took an early lead of 9-6.
Despite being behind Liskeard knew they could take this game if they played their own style. Dalton swapped with Drinkell and despite having never played centre for the Tigers she set the pace and Liskeard began to claw back. Excellent interceptions from GD Holly Lemon WD Laura Shepherd and Glossop gave Liskeard the edge. Fantastic shooting by both Sophie Hocking and Chappell boosted the side, great feeding in and around the circle saw Hocking not miss all period. Defensively Lucy Smale and Lemon shut down the circle; 5 goals from 16 attempts for Silhouettes rocked the team, and Liskeard capitalised to take the quarter 14 goals to 5, leading 20-14 at half time.
Chappell did well to stay on for the second half, with encouragement from the team and particularly shooting partner Hocking she held her nerve and they worked together to net the long range shots. Zonal marking seemed to be the key for Shepherd and Dalton, forcing Silhouettes to pass back and delay the ball going into their shooters. Good pressure from GK Smale meant the GS loosing possession, with Lemon restricting the GA getting into the circle and both players picking off any rebounds.
Liskeard maintained their lead and finally took the match 35-27.
The game was a really good team effort and particular praise must go to both Debbie and Emma for stepping up to division 2. The Tigers stopped the flow of Silhouettes throughout and can take great confidence from this win.
Tigers just miss out on the bonus point against top of the league Connect 1
LNC Tigers 24 Connect [1] 51
Despite losing to division leaders Connect 1 a fortnight ago, Liskeard wanted to set the standard with the home advantage and were determined not to give the visitors an easy game.
Both teams started strong, matching goal for goal, but it was Connect who set the pace and once they found their flow they stormed ahead to a 15 - 6 lead at quarter time.
Tigers stepped it up in the second, defending well and looking after the ball through the mid-court but Connect were still very much in control. An injury to GS Kirstie Chappell mid way through saw Christina Broad come off the bench and although she was quick to find her form, the Connect defence were outstanding, picking off any loose passes and giving Liskeard few attempts at goal and by half time the visiting team had extended their lead to 25 - 12.
With Vicki Hastings coming off the bench for the second half and Holly Lemon moving to WD, the team were hopeful that this change may disrupt Connect but despite Hastings yet again producing some superb interceptions Liskeard were unable to capitalise and with the Connect shooters rarely missing a chance, the Tigers were down by 35 - 18 heading into the final quarter.
Connect ran away with it in the final quarter and although Liskeard never gave up, working hard right to the final whistle there was no stopping Connect, who’s precise and well drilled play throughout the court was just too good for the Tigers to compete with and the game finished 24 - 51 to Connect.
The Tigers were disappointed to finish without the bonus point for the first time this season but were pleased with their overall performance feeling they’d done everything they could in what proved to be an extremely tough but enjoyable game.
Pictures by Glen Rogers.
Cougars hang on for a draw in thrilling clash with top of the league Newquay[3]
Newquay [3] 50 LNC Cougars 50
Line-Up: GK Sophie Thomas, GD Erin Beal, WD Liz Julian, C Emma Dalton (captain), WA Louise Piner, GA Carol Smith, GS Vicky Ford. Res Sarah Skews.
Cougars go one better after their narrow one goal defeat to Camborne Park last week, to get a draw against top of the league Newquay [3] in a thrilling 100 goal game!
Liskeard started well, working hard as a team to win the first quarter only for Newquay to come back in the second, finishing the first half level at 36 - 36.
Newquay were stronger in the second half and lead right to the final few minutes, but Liskeard never gave up and with the help of some fantastic shooting, they came back to get the draw.
The team were really pleased with their performance and will be looking to build on this, hopefully getting back to their winning ways when they face Storm 4 at home next week.
Tigers come back strong to secure a win against Connect 2
Connect [2] 27
LNC Tigers 39
Liskeard travelled to Rudruth for the second time in a week to meet Connect’s 2nd string. Following their defeat to Connect 1 Liskeard needed the 5 points, but with Connect 2 chasing their first win of the season, the Tigers knew both teams were up for the fixture.
Connect came out strong and soon went a few goals ahead, the forceful GA set the mark in the shooting circle and even with the tight marking on the GS, her teammate was quick to pick up the rebounds and keep Connect in front. Liskeard stayed on their heels though, trailing by 2 goals at the quarter break.
Liskeard picked up slightly during the 2nd period, good feeds into the circle from Eldridge and Glossop giving the shooters the opportunity to work their way back into the game. Defensively Lemon stepped up on the GA, working hard with GK Smale to reduce the shots at goal for both shooters and the teams drew the quarter, with Liskeard still just 2 goals behind.
Vicki Hastings came off the bench at half time to replace Captain Lucy Smale, with Lemon dropping back to GK. The fresh legs in the mid court gave Liskeard the boost they needed. Some excellent movement in the circle by both shooters, coupled with some fantastic long range shooting brought Liskeard back into the game. The defence in the mid court was superb with Glossop, Shepherd and Hastings picking off any loose passes and feeding into attack. Chappell and Hocking had both found their stride at this point and a high percentage of shots were converted.
Going into the final quarter 3 goals in front Liskeard couldn’t afford to be complacent, but Connect were tiring and Liskeard used this to their advantage. Shooters Chappell and Hocking had their best quarter; the movement off the ball helped the feed into the circle and gave many attempts at goal to keep Liskeard ahead. Lemon and Hastings worked hard to shut down the Connect attack, with just 6 attempts at goal for the entire period and only 50% being converted. Liskeard won the quarter 12 goals to 3, taking the match 39-27.
Captain Lucy Smale was really pleased with how the team fought back to win. “I didn’t think this game would be as easy as it looked on paper and Connect had a strong first half. But I was really pleased with how the Tigers kept going, despite going behind early on, and the second half display, particularly the last quarter, was outstanding. Both Kirstie and Sophie had an excellent game, Kirstie was definitely on form and this was really encouraged by Sophie and the team.”
Panthers go top with a win over Hayle 3
LNC Panthers 36 - 24 Hayle [3]
Panthers knew only a win could put them ahead of current division leaders Hayle 3, but having lost away early in the season it wasn’t going to be easy.
Liskeard came out strong though and with both shooters converting every attempt at goal Panthers took the early lead.
Defensively Liskeard had the advantage over the young Hayle side during the second quarter. GD Vicki Hastings picked off interceptions throughout the court, giving her opponent just 2 attempts at goal and at half-time Liskeard had a good lead of 29-19.
The 2nd half saw Erin Beale replace Kay Barker at GK and the team settled quickly. Hayle’s shooters upped their game, converting each chance at goal, but with good pressure from the defence meaning reduced number of opportunities and some good midcourt play from Drinkell, Elliott and Dunn, Liskeard still had the edge.
Liskeard maintained this composure into the final quarter. Despite fewer chances at goal for shooters Christina Broad and Amie Hoskin they worked hard in the circle to increase their lead. But it was Panthers defence that won the match, with Hastings controlling the play and picking off every loose pass she deservedly picked up Player of the Match, and Panthers took the game 36 - 24.
Liskeard now need to continue this level of play as they meet Penryn 3 away next week, who are also vying for promotion this season.
Photographs by Glen Rogers