Tigers v Storm [1]

Liskeard Tigers   34 - 49  Storm [1]

Liskeard welcomed division leaders Storm [1] to Lux Park knowing they needed a win to be in with a realistic chance of promotion this season.

Liskeard kept to their new line up, feeling that the team benefited from this extra dimension. So the line up was: Kirstie Chappell (GS), Sophie Hocking (GA), Amie Hoskin - captain (WA), Jo Glossop (C), Lauren Finch (WD), Holly Lemon (GD), Lucy Smale (GK). Subs - Christina Broad & Kay Barker

The game started with both teams matching goal for goal, but Storm settled quickly and through some fast play into their shooters, took the first quarter 12-7. Chappell took a knock in the first quarter and her niggling ankle injury meant she was replaced by Panthers’ GS Christina Broad. The Tigers were disappointed to have lost Chappell so early in the game, but knew they could rely on Broad’s long-range shooting to keep them in the game. Hocking became more dominant after losing Chappell and worked the ball in and around the circle with pace and then converting the shots.

Liskeard continued to contest the ball and keep the pressure on Storm. Smale showed moving to GK was the right team decision as she shut down the usually dominant GS, and Lemon continued with her key interceptions spoiling the flow for Storm. However, Storm’s GA had an awesome game and worked hard around the circle, topping off her night with accurate shooting under the post. Storm lead at half-time 25-18.

Liskeard were still in with a chance, but Storm caught them sleeping in the third quarter, they stepped up a gear and took the quarter 14 goals to 5 which pushed the win out of Liskeard’s reach. Liskeard still wanted to finish with their heads held high and though left too late, had a superb last quarter.

Hoskin and Glossop fed fastball into the circle for Hocking and Broad to convert the goals with some excellent shooting. Storm had changed all of their attacking players, but this didn’t faze Liskeard’s defenders with Finch continuing her zoneal defending and turning the ball over before it could reach the circle. Liskeard won the last quarter 11 goals to 10, leaving the final score 34-49.

The Tigers have 2 games left this season, and whilst they may have just missed out on promotion, they aim to take all 5 points from both games.