Tigers
Penzance [2] v LNC Tigers - Tues 12th March at Penwith College
Penzance 40 - 40 Tigers
Starting line up: Lucy Smale (GK), Kay Barker (GD), Holly Lemon (WD), Louise Halliday (C), Jo Nickle (WA), Kirstie Chappell (GA), Robyn Edgecombe (GS). Reserves: Erin Beale
Liskeard travelled the distance to Penzance hoping to build on their big loss the previous week to Bodmin. Without injured Sarah West and Emma Dalton, Louise Halliday started at centre with Robyn Edgecombe and Kirstie Chappell fulfilling the shooting roles.
Liskeard got off to a shaky start, and despite appearing the stronger side, their own sloppy passes gave Penzance an early lead. Finding themselves 8-2 down during the quarter, the Tigers slowly found their feet and started to improve their game. Lemon, Halliday and Nickle worked the ball well up the court and good shooting from Edgecombe and Chappell saw the scores being pulled back to 10 all at the break.
Going into the second period, Beale replaced Halliday for fresh legs in the mid court and Chappell and Edgecombe switched in the shooting circle. Liskeard continued their confident play from the end of the first quarter. Chappell and Edgecombe were netting their shots which encouraged the whole side to work harder. Smale and Barker made some great interceptions for Tigers defence, and the turnovers started to come. Much better play from the Tigers saw them win the quarter 10-7 and go into half time in front.
Beale came off for Halliday again for the 3rd, with Chappell moving back to GS and Smale and Barker swapping in defence. Liskeard started well and the practised centre passes worked with ease into the circle. An injury to WD Lemon saw Beale come off the bench and yet again, Liskeard let unforced errors affect their play. The Penzance defence had started to read the play and interceptions in the circle meant they could capitalise. A tough quarter for Liskeard, but great back up in the mid court by Smale saw Tigers going down by just 1 goal, maintaining a small lead going into the last.
An ankle injury to Barker meant already injured Lemon coming on at GK for the final period. However, Lemon gave it her all and brilliant interceptions plus her previous play earned her player of the match. A couple of quick goals in succession kept the Tigers in front and the team were pushing towards the win. However, with both Penzance shooters rarely missing, and their defence putting increased pressure on the Liskeard attack, Penzance pulled the scores level. Goals stayed with the centre pass, and in the dying seconds, Penzance scored to draw level at 40 goals apiece.
A disappointing result for the Tigers with the win well within their sights; but having lost to Penzance at home already this season, they were pleased to come out with the draw.