TIGERS AGONISINGLY CLOSE TO VICTORY OVER UNBEATEN NEWQUAY 1

Newquay   33 - 30   Liskeard Tigers

Liskeard Tigers came very close to a division upset when they faced top of the table Newquay 1. Undefeated this season, and with all wins at a comfortable margin, on paper it was expected to be tough, but with their new line-up the Tigers were hopeful they could give Newquay a good game.

Both teams started well and goals went with the centre pass for the first five minutes but Newquay shot ahead towards the end of the quarter. Their strong GA was dominating the play and despite pressure from new Tiger Vicki Hastings she extended her teams lead, netting 5 goals without reply and ending the first period 10 - 5.

After a stern team talk from their coach, Liskeard went back on court determined to hold their own but Newquay were quicker out of the blocks and the Tigers soon found themselves 14 - 5 down. However, with some fantastic defending from Smale, Hastings and Lemon, creating numerous turnovers, they fought their way back to draw the quarter 8-8, ending the first half 18-13.

Encouraged by their previous quarter, and with the win still in their sights, Liskeard upped their game. Newquay made several changes, and despite an even taller defence being introduced, Hoskin and Hocking worked the ball around the circle to improve their scoring chances, with Hocking missing just 2 attempts all period. Tigers defended well throughout the court with loose passes being picked off by Glossop, Dalton and Lemon. Newquay’s shooting opportunities were dramatically reduced; 9 attempts all period with just 5 converted due to the hard defending by Smale and Hastings.

Going into the last period with a surprising two goal lead, the Tigers knew it was still anyone’s game. Newquay reverted back to their original line up and showed they were not prepared to give up their undefeated title easily. The shooters from both sides felt the pressure and the teams remained goal for goal for much of the match, but Liskeard started to tire and silly mistakes came into their play which Newquay pounced on. Despite the Tigers best efforts, Newquay had soon levelled the game at 30 a piece. With the momentum in their favour, the final few minutes were dominated by the home side and they won the game by 3 goals, finishing 33 - 30.

Despite the loss, Tigers’ captain Holly Lemon was pleased with the team’s performance. “Everyone worked so hard and it was evident that our efforts in training are being rewarded. We are all disappointed that having come so close we didn’t manage to hold out for the win but it was by far our best game of the season and I think we can all be proud of our performance”.

Coach’s Player of the Match was deservedly awarded to Lucy Smale for her strong defending and support of the team throughout.