TIGERS LOSE OUT AT HOME TO BODMIN
LNC TIGERS 18 - 36 BODMIN
Starting line up: Lucy Smale (GK), Kay Barker (GD), Holly Lemon (WD), Emma Dalton (C), Jo Nickle (WA), Sarah West (GA), Kirstie Chappell (GS). Reserves: Christina Broad, Lauren Finch
Liskeard Tigers welcomed their close rivals Bodmin to Lux Park and were still searching for their first win. However with Bodmin playing in division 1 last season the Tigers knew it wouldn’t be an easy encounter.
Bodmin opened the scoring and quickly went 3 goals ahead but Liskeard fought hard to get it back. With good shooting and circle work, Chappell and West managed to pull it back, trailing by just one goal at the quarter break which ended 6-7. Coach Britz was pleased with his teams opening 15 minutes and encouraged them to steady their play.
The second quarter saw the tall Bodmin GD make it hard for the Tigers when she began to read their play. Liskeard struggled to feed the ball to the shooters and the risky long shots were picked off. However, Liskeard persevered; Nickle and Dalton continued to work the ball around the circle with great back up from Lemon, while Liskeard defence battled hard to overturn possession and keep them in the game. At half-time Liskeard trailed by just 4 goals, ending 11-15.
Broad replaced West for the second half in the hope her range and fresh legs may outsmart the strong defence; but injury to Chappell early in the period disrupted the teams rhythm. A surprising change saw GK Smale move to GS for the first time this season, Barker dropping back and Finch coming off the bench to GD. The defence jelled straight away with Lemon and Finch reading each other well. The extra height provided by Barker as GK saw the rebounds began to feed down the court. Smale settled into her new position and the whole team were relieved when she netted her first goal. Tigers lost the quarter leaving the score 16-24 going into the last.
West returned for the final period but Bodmin came out of the blocks and stormed the final quarter. As Bodmins confidence grew the goals started to come and again, Bodmin’s defence put up a fight with Liskeard really struggling to get the ball into the circle. Liskeard were tiring, and although they gave everything they could, especially by Nickle which earnt her player of the match, they lost the game 18-36.
TIGERS ARE BACK TO WINNING WAYS WITH A FANTASTIC RESULT AGAINST STORM
LNC Tigers 34 - 28 Storm 2
Starting line-up: GK Lucy Smale, GD Vicki Hastings, WD Holly Lemon, C Emma Dalton, WA Jo Glossop, GA Amie Hoskin, GS Sophie Hocking. Res Julia Eldridge
Following their disappointing 1 goal defeat at the hands of St Agnes last week, Liskeard Tigers were hopeful of returning to winning ways when they welcomed Storm’s second string to Lux Park.
Storm started strong, quickly going 3 goals in front. The Tigers knew Storm would be a tough, well drilled opposition and they couldn’t afford to let them advance too far in front. Liskeard settled into the game and worked hard to level the scores at 5-5. Through their excellent GS, netting 7 out of her 8 attempts, Storm edged the quarter 9 goals to 7 but Liskeard were pleased with their first quarter and hopeful they could hold their own in this match.
The Tigers set the mark during the second period. From the off the whole team lifted their game, interceptions throughout the court, coupled with some long range shooting from Sophie Hocking, saw the Tigers score 5 goals with no reply. GD Vicki Hastings had the measure of the Storm GA; strong defending and numerous turnovers ensured she had just 2 attempts at goal and Tigers won the quarter 11 goals to 5.
Starting the third quarter with a 4 goal advantage Liskeard didn’t want to become complacent as they knew Storm would be ready to take the game. But again the Tigers worked hard, the set plays cemented the foundation of the team and all the players fought well and played their own game.
GA Amie Hoskin found her range against the tall defence, working the ball around the circle through C Emma Dalton and Jo Glossop to keep possession and ensure every chance at goal. Despite a change to the Storm attack they still couldn’t match the strong Liskeard defence; interceptions were picked off by both WD Holly Lemon and Hastings before reaching the shooting circle.
Julia Eldridge replace Dalton at C for the final quarter, and going in with a 7 goal cushion Liskeard were confident they could win the match. However, becoming complacent, sloppy passes and missed shots kept Storm in the game. Liskeard worked hard to slow the game down and keep possession and although Storm won the quarter by one goal Tigers had done enough to get the win, taking the game 34 - 28 and limiting Storm to just one losing bonus point.
Coach Rudi Britz said “I am very happy with the win. We started playing the game as we should be playing it at last. Still lots of silly mistakes, especially in the first quarter, but it came together in the second quarter, and Storm found it difficult to keep the pace. The set plays are beginning to become a second nature now, and the girls know where the ball is going to be passed next, which is important, and when it works, it's a pleasure to watch. Well done to all of you.”
Pictures by Glen Rogers
COUGARS BACK TO THEIR WINNING WAYS WITH A 35-19 VICTORY OVER ST AGNES 5
ST AGNES [5] 19 - 35 LNC COUGARS
Starting line-up: GK Rachael Congdon, GD Lauren Finch, WD Sophie Thomas, C Siobhan Howe, WA Amy Greenbank, GA Emma Thomas, GS Vicky Ford. Res Debbie Drinkell
With illness and injury limiting their choices Cougars travelled to Truro with just one reserve.
New player Rachel Congdon made her debut for the team at GK and Cougars started energetically, quickly netting 8 goals to St Agnes 1 in the first 5 minutes. A period of inconsistent play by the Cougars allowed the home team to come back but Cougars soon rallied to end the quarter with a 10 - 5 lead.
No changes were made for the second quarter and some tight defending by both teams made for a very even quarter, ending the first half Cougars 18, St Agnes 13.
Captain Debbie Drinkell replaced Congdon at GK for the third quarter, which saw some great netball from the Cougars. GA Emma Thomas and GS Vicky Ford worked well in the shooting circle to capitalise on every opportunity from the feeds of C Siobhan Howe and WA Amy Greenbank. This was definitely Cougars strongest quarter with GD Lauren Finch and WD Sophie Thomas working the ball well up the court. Drinkell and Finch’s tight defence in the St Agnes shooting circle limited the home team to just 2 goals to the Cougars 10, taking the game almost out of reach of St Agnes at 28 - 15.
All credit to St Agnes who worked hard to the end, taking the bonus point for their efforts. Player of the Match went to Emma Thomas for the second consecutive week but well done to everyone on a really good team performance. Final Score St Agnes (5) 19, Liskeard Cougars 35
HALLOWEEN PARTY IS A HUGE SUCCESS
Thank you to everyone who came on Saturday, helping to make this year's Halloween Party a huge success.
Everyone made such an effort and the costumes were superb - although not sure Walt would have been too impressed with our efforts....
Big thanks to The Railway for hosting the event, it was a fantastic night and as a club we raised £100 - well done girls.
TIGERS MAKE IT THREE OUT OF THREE FOR LNC
Newquay [2] 31 - 40 Liskeard Tigers
Liskeard Tigers travelled to Newquay to meet their second string, keen to match the recent success of Panthers and Cougars and gain their first win of the season.
The Tigers opened the scoring through some simple set plays but Newquay defended hard gaining the turnovers for their shooters to convert. Despite Liskeard appearing the stronger side it was Newquay who broke the deadlock to win the quarter 8-6.
At the quarter break, Liskeard’s Coach instructed his side to implement what they had practiced and focus on the task in hand. The players did as they were asked and had a storming second quarter, with every player upping their game. The defence trio of Smale, Hastings and Lemon picked off many interceptions and rebounds which were fed quickly up the court. Fantastic edge of circle work by Beale and Glossop into the shooters gave them every chance at goal and despite the tall defence, Hoskin and Hocking worked the ball well and netted goal after goal. With the confidence growing amongst the team Liskeard took the quarter 14 goals to 6, ending the first half with a 14-20 lead.
A change at half-time for Liskeard saw Emma Dalton join her new teammates for the first time, replacing Beale at Centre. Newquay also made some changes throughout the court with fresh legs in both attack and defence. Dalton read the game well and settled into supporting the shooters whilst linking both attack and defence. Smale continued to pressurise the changed GS, forcing the long range shots for Hastings to pick off any loose balls which were moved swiftly through the court. However Liskeard started to introduce silly errors into their play as they became excited at their expectant win. Newquay were able to close the gap slightly but Liskeard still won the quarter, leaving the score 30-22 going into the last.
Liskeard continued with their strong play in the final quarter, Hoskin spurred on the team with her fantastic work rate throughout the game, nipping in and around her tall defenders to get closer to the post. Glossop supported Dalton on the centre pass and along with Captain Lemon they disrupted the play in the mid court stopping Newquay in their attack. However Liskeard started to tire towards the end and sloppy passes crept into the game. Injury to Smale gave the team chance to re-group so they could see out the final few minutes and they won the final quarter to leave the score 40-31 at the final whistle.
New coach Rudi Britz was pleased with the team’s performance, “after weeks of hard work, this result showed that Tigers are up for it. At times during the match we saw some excellent netball, and the end result just showed that the hard work is paying off. Well done to everyone, and lets keep up playing good netball. We did not have an easy win and had to work very hard for it but everyone gave their best which made me very proud and it was a pleasure to watch”.
Tigers now look forward to their next match in a couple of weeks time, when Newquay come to Lux Park for the rematch.
PANTHERS GET THEIR FIRST WIN AND DO IT IN STYLE AGAINST FALMOUTH
LNC PANTHERS 32
FALMOUTH [2] 9
Starting line-up - GK Kay Barker, GD Vicki Hastings, WD Laura Smith, C Julia Eldridge, WA Emma Dunn, GA Gabi Duffey, GS Christina Broad. Res Siobhan Howe.
Liskeard Panthers played their first home match against Falmouth 2 at Lux Park, hoping to achieve their first league win of the season and put behind them their disappointing opening loss at the hands of St Agnes 4.
The team started with a positive attitude, determined to get the result needed and bagged the first couple of goals in quick succession. Strong passing coupled with hard work started to pay off and with some fantastic defending from GK Kay Barker and GD Vicki Hastings, numerous turnovers were worked up the court and converted to goals, without a single goal netted in reply.
Falmouth made a change for the second quarter, moving their tall GD up to GA in the hope of getting onto the score sheet but the Liskeard defence reacted well and with some great interceptions from Hastings and WD Laura Smith, Panthers were really starting to come into their own and the first half ended 15 – nil to the home side.
At half time Panthers made a change for fresh legs, bringing Siobhan Howe on at WA but Falmouth also made changes in attack which proved to be positive, as they finally got their first goal, followed by several more with no reply from Liskeard. However, the Panthers fought back and with GS Christina Broad and GA Gabi Duffey working well together in the shooting circle, the home side again extended their lead.
WA Emma Dunn came back on for the last quarter, and along with Hastings, Smith and Centre Julia Eldridge the play down the court linked superbly and the ball was fed swiftly into the shooting circle, which Broad and Duffey continued to successfully convert. Falmouth worked hard until the end but Panthers were unstoppable and the game ended 32 - 09, with Vicki Hastings being awarded a well deserved Player of the Match.
Panthers hope to continue their winning streak when they host Lastonet 4 on the 20th October.
Pictures by Glen Rogers
LONG TRIP TO PENZANCE RESULTS IN ANOTHER WIN FOR COUGARS
PENZANCE [5] 19 LNC COUGARS 21Starting line up - GK Debbie Drinkell, GD Lauren Finch, WD Sophie Thomas, C Siobhan Howe, WA Emma Thomas, GA Louise Piner, GS Vicky Ford. Res Kerry Elliot & Lynn Webb
Cougars made the long trip to Penzance on Wednesday, for their 3rd away match in as many weeks, keen to secure another win.
The visitors started quickly, netting two goals without reply, but it was apparent from the start that Penzance were keen to win, employing some great defensive play and disrupting the Cougars rhythm. The first quarter was a tight affair but Cougars prevailed thanks to some good work in the shooting circle between Ford and Piner and they ended the first quarter with a 3 - 6 lead.
Kerry Elliot came on at WA for the second quarter. Penzance immediately started applying pressure to the Cougar Centre pass and Liskeard’s slender lead was soon cut to just one goal. Passing errors from both sides followed with both teams missing key goals. Penzance proved stronger in this quarter though, winning the quarter by one goal and reducing the deficit to 9 – 11 at half time.
Emma Thomas replaced Piner at GA at the beginning of the third quarter and Lynn Webb came off the bench into WD. It was honours even with both sides defending well, cancelling out any opportunity of gaining a foothold in the match. Penzance took the game to the visitors for the 4th quarter but with Finch and Drinkell forcing the Penzance shooters out of the circle the home side were unable to overhaul the lead and Cougars held on for the win, final score Penzance 19, Cougars 21.
Well done to everyone for another well deserved win, especially Siobhan Howe who’s energetic play throughout earned her Umpire’s Player of the Match.
TIGERS LOSE OUT TO FORMER DIVISION ONE SIDE, LASTONET 1
Liskeard opened their 2011/12 campaign against former division 1 side Lastonet last Thursday.
The Tigers selected team this year is Lucy Smale (GK), Holly Lemon (GD & Captain), Emma Dalton (WD), Erin Beale (C), Jo Glossop (WA), Amie Hoskin (GA) and Sophie Hocking (GS) but with Dalton out for their opening fixture, Julia Eldridge stepped up into centre with Beale dropping back to fill the WD position.
Lastonet opened the scoring from their centre pass but Liskeard were quick to reply and the sides were goal for goal for much of the quarter. However, it was Lastonet who settled into the game quicker, feeding the ball hard into the circle, converting the goals and winning the quarter 9-5. Coach Rudi Britz tried to settle his side in the break, encouraging the defence to reduce the shooters’ movement and keen for attack to continue working the ball around the circle and getting closer to the post.
Liskeard came out much more positive for the second period and their strong defensive play throughout helped them begin to claw back the deficit, getting within a couple of goals mid way through the quarter. Lastonet were quick to respond though, and despite the Tigers only loosing the period by one goal, Lastonet had extended their lead to 12 - 17.
Liskeard continued to work hard throughout the second half and moved the ball well down the court but the Lastonet defence began to read the shooters’ play and Liskeard struggled to get the ball into a shooting position. With limited shooting opportunities for the home side the gap got bigger and the game ended 24 - 33 to Lastonet.
Although disappointed to start their season with a defeat, the team were happy with their overall performance, holding their own for much of the game against a very strong opposition. Captain Holly Lemon was really pleased with her team, “We were expecting a tough match tonight but I was impressed how well we all played and we certainly didn't make it easy for them. It was great to welcome Amie back to Tigers and she fought hard against a really tough defence; and Jo clearly impressed our new coach, receiving his Player of the Match. For a first game with the new line-up there are many positives to build on before our next match away at Newquay.”
Pictures by Glen Rogers
COUGARS FIGHT BACK TO TAKE TWO POINTS IN THRILLING OPENING GAME AGAINST LEAGUE LEADERS STORM 4
STORM [4] 27 LNC COUGARS 25Starting line-up - GK Debbie Drinkell, GD Lauren Finch, WD Louise Piner, C Siobhan Howe, WA Kerry Elliot, GA Emma Thomas, GS Vicky Ford. Res Lynn Webb
Liskeard Cougars met with current Division 6 leaders for their opening game of the season. Unbeaten Storm were keen to hang onto their 100% record and with Cougars determined to make a good impression on new coach Rudi Britz the scene was set for an energetic and fast paced match.
Storm made the best start, intercepting some loose passes in the centre court to go a few goals ahead. Cougars settled but Storm continued to dominate and extended their early lead to end the first quarter 9 - 4.
Cougars rallied early in the second quarter thanks to some excellent link play between Elliot and Howe feeding the ball quickly into the circle for Ford and GA Louise Piner to convert. However, a lapse in concentration towards the end of the quarter let Storm back in and they once again extended their lead, finishing the first half 18 - 12.
Drinkell and Finch worked hard at the start of the third quarter to limit Storm’s shooting opportunities and forcing them to make errors in the shooting circle before Drinkell had to come after aggravating an old knee injury resulting in Lynn Webb taking the GK bib. Cougars maintained pressure on the Storm side throughout the penultimate quarter with some excellent shooting from Ford and Piner and it was all to play for going into the last 21 - 19.
Storm started the 4th quarter the more determined but Cougars soon focussed matching goal for goal in a very exciting 15 minutes. Howe and WD Thomas defended well with Webb and Finch making the Storm shooters work hard. Unfortunately for Cougars the damage had been done in the first half and Storm emerged the victors of a very close hard fought match, winning the game 27 - 25.
Congratulations to Lynn Webb and fellow debutant Emma Thomas who will make excellent additions to the Cougars team this season and a huge well done to Vicky Ford and Louise Piner whose superb play throughout earned them joint player of the match.
Photographs by Andrew Trenoweth
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN AND ACTIVE TO TAKE PART IN OVER THE WINTER MONTHS?
LISKEARD NETBALL CLUB ARE LOOKING FOR NEW PLAYERS!
We are a well established club with 3 teams in the Cornwall Netball league; playing in Division 2, Division 4 and Division 6.
Whatever ability, if you are aged 14+ and want to join a friendly club then come along to one of our sessions, we train every Tuesday evening, 8.30pm at Lux Park Leisure Centre
First 2 training sessions are free so come and give it a go!