COUGARS ARE VICTORIOUS AT HOME TO ST AGNES 4
Cougars 26, St Agnes [4] 21
Starting line-up: GK Debbie Drinkell, GD Rachel Congdon, WD Louise Piner, C Siobhan Howe, WA Kerry Elliott, GA Emma Thomas, GS Vicky Ford. Res Maria Jordan
Liskeard welcomed St Agnes 4ths to Lux Park confident that they would be able to repeat the win of the away fixture earlier in the season.
It was apparent from the first centre pass that both teams were capable of taking the win. St Agnes won the toss but Cougars were able to intercept and turnover the ball to score the first goal. The visitors responded, going 3 goals ahead, but Cougars were quick to overcome the deficit and goals then went with centre pass in an extremely evenly matched game, ending the first quarter level at 6 - 6.
St Agnes were first to apply the pressure, Liskeard defence GK Debbie Drinkell and GD Rachel Congdon working hard to limit the shooting options of the St Agnes attack but despite some well timed interceptions Liskeard were unable to convert and St Agnes began to open up a lead. All credit to the Liskeard attack Centre Siobhan Howe and WA Kerry Elliott who worked tirelessly to support GS Vicky Ford and GA Emma Thomas. Howe making her presence known at both ends of the court in typically energetic style and Ford finding her range netting some superb long range shots to cut the deficit to 1 goal ending the second quarter 11-12.
Louise Piner went to GA and Maria Jordan replaced her at WD for the 3rd quarter. With nothing to separate the 2 teams scoring went with centre pass. Link play through the court by WD Jordan and GD Congdon supported the attack with some excellent possession play and ensured a safe ball transit to the Liskeard shooters. Piner did well to work the ball around the circle ably supported by Elliott.
Scores were tied at 18 all going into the last quarter and hardworking GD Congdon was given a well deserved rest with Emma Thomas taking the bib. Liskeard had the advantage of centre pass and did not squander it. Following some tight defensive work by GK Drinkell and GD Thomas the St Agnes attack were unable to put passes through to the shooters and Liskeard were able to draw away to close the match out victorious - Final score Cougars 26, St Agnes 21.
Captain Debbie Drinkell praised her team who all gave 100% in a well deserved victory. "It was impossible to pick a player of the match as all the girls worked extremely hard in a very competitive encounter.
Special thanks to Mandy Piner who umpired for us at extremely short notice and made it possible for us to play the game.”
Pictures by Glen Rogers