Liskeard opened their 2011/12 campaign against former division 1 side Lastonet last Thursday.

The Tigers selected team this year is Lucy Smale (GK), Holly Lemon (GD & Captain), Emma Dalton (WD), Erin Beale (C), Jo Glossop (WA), Amie Hoskin (GA) and Sophie Hocking (GS) but with Dalton out for their opening fixture, Julia Eldridge stepped up into centre with Beale dropping back to fill the WD position.

Lastonet opened the scoring from their centre pass but Liskeard were quick to reply and the sides were goal for goal for much of the quarter. However, it was Lastonet who settled into the game quicker, feeding the ball hard into the circle, converting the goals and winning the quarter 9-5. Coach Rudi Britz tried to settle his side in the break, encouraging the defence to reduce the shooters’ movement and keen for attack to continue working the ball around the circle and getting closer to the post.

Liskeard came out much more positive for the second period and their strong defensive play throughout helped them begin to claw back the deficit, getting within a couple of goals mid way through the quarter. Lastonet were quick to respond though, and despite the Tigers only loosing the period by one goal, Lastonet had extended their lead to 12 - 17.

Liskeard continued to work hard throughout the second half and moved the ball well down the court but the Lastonet defence began to read the shooters’ play and Liskeard struggled to get the ball into a shooting position. With limited shooting opportunities for the home side the gap got bigger and the game ended 24 - 33 to Lastonet.

Although disappointed to start their season with a defeat, the team were happy with their overall performance, holding their own for much of the game against a very strong opposition. Captain Holly Lemon was really pleased with her team, “We were expecting a tough match tonight but I was impressed how well we all played and we certainly didn't make it easy for them. It was great to welcome Amie back to Tigers and she fought hard against a really tough defence; and Jo clearly impressed our new coach, receiving his Player of the Match. For a first game with the new line-up there are many positives to build on before our next match away at Newquay.”

Pictures by Glen Rogers