COUGARS LOSE OUT TO CONNECT IN THE LAST QUARTER

Connect [4] 24,  Cougars 23

Starting Line up: GK Debbie Drinkell, GD Rachel Congdon, WD Maria Jordan, C Louise Piner, WA Kerry Elliott, GA Emma Thomas, GS Vicky Ford

The last game of the season against Connects 4^th team saw a disappointing result for Cougars – with only 7 players available together with an early start scheduled for the match the visitors were up against it from the start.

Both teams started slowly but it was Cougars who had the best of the early play. Centre Louise Piner made some brilliant interceptions in the Connect 3^rd turning over the ball into the safe hands of GS Vicky Ford for an early advantage. Connect settled toward the end of the quarter however and pulled the deficit back to 4 goals finishing Cougars 8, Connect 4.

A slow paced second half saw defenders GK Debbie Drinkell and GD Rachel Congdon get the better of the two Connect shooters making them work hard for every ball into the circle. Cougars were unable to draw away from their opponents though as the Connect defence tightened up piling pressure on GS Ford forcing her to take balls at the edge of the circle. Some superb shooting from Ford and GA Emma Thomas however keep the Cougar lead at 4 goals with the 2^nd quarter ending Liskeard 14, Connect 10.

Cougars played their best netball during the third quarter with WA Kerry Elliot and WD Maria Jordan ensuring a safe transition down the court resulting in an increase in the lead by a further 7 points, but with 5 minutes to go Connect responded with 3 goals in succession once again bringing the score to within 4, setting the scene for a competitive final quarter.

This proved to be a scrappy affair with both teams making errors of judgement. But with the Connect GS gaining in confidence and some handling errors from the Cougars, the home side were able to take the lead leaving the Cougars no time to respond. Final score Connect 24, Liskeard Cougars 23.

Well done to all the players, especially Kerry Elliot who played despite having had a car accident at the weekend, and to Rachel Congdon who was awarded Captains Player of the Match for her supporting play and tireless defending.