TIGERS RECORD THEIR BEST WIN OF THE SEASON AT HOME TO SILHOUETTES
LNC Tigers 42 - 15 Silhouettes
Starting Line-up: GK Lucy Smale, GD Vicki Hastings, WD Holly Lemon, C Julia Eldridge, WA Jo Glossop, GA Amie Hoskin, GS Sophie Hocking. Res. Debbie Drinkell.
With the absence of Emma Dalton, Julia Eldridge stepped into the Centre position. Liskeard opened the scoring and quickly found themselves 5 goals in front. Good circle play by GA Amie Hoskin, netting all but one attempt in the quarter, gave the Tigers a 10-6 lead after the first period.
Silhouettes changed their shooter for the second quarter but GK Lucy Smale’s strong defending eliminated the player and ensured she wasn’t able to convert any goals. The Tigers intercepted loose passes throughout the court and had control of the game from early on. Both shooters found their range and focussed on their set plays to work the ball from Eldridge and WA Jo Glossop into the circle and Liskeard took the quarter 12 goals to 4.
Cougar’s captain Debbie Drinkell stepped up to the mark in the third quarter as Eldridge was rested. Nervous, but keen to play, Drinkell listened to the team and worked well in the mid court with sister Glossop. Both teams had a low scoring, tentative quarter with missed opportunities throughout the court. Tigers defence dominated and despite more attempts at goal for Silhouettes, GD Vicki Hastings and Smale ensured just two goals were scored.
Eldridge returned for the final period, which was by far the Tigers best. The whole team upped their game, despite an already strong lead. Both WD Holly Lemon and Glossop were relentless throughout the court, intercepting where possible and keeping possession to ensure Silhouettes were kept out of the game.
A stronger quarter by both shooters with GS Sophie Hocking leading the play in the attacking third, creating space for Hoskin in the circle to ensure a better chance at goal. Again, the Silhouettes attack were silenced by Hastings, Lemon and Smale, fewer attempts at goal and few converted enabled the Tigers to secure their best win to date.
Coach Rudi Britz was thrilled with the team, saying “Tonight’s result came as no surprise to me, as the level of our game has improved dramatically. We had a very close encounter against Newquay 1 who are currently unbeaten in Division 2. It just proves that we have increased our game to a much higher level.
I just hope that the Tigers start to believe in themselves a bit more now. After a very comfortable win last night, the players should realise that they are a team to watch out for. Both Umpires spoke to me after the match, each complimenting on our fantastic defence throughout the game. You only have to look at the end score to see that it was superb. Lucy and Vicki did an amazing job defending the GS and GA and kept their chances of scoring to a minimum.
Overall we saw lots of interceptions by everyone, and at the end of the match it was not an easy task to choose the player of the match. But well done to Jo who played out of her skin and was awarded Coach's Player of the match for her efforts.
We still have to improve in certain areas of our game as well as timing issues but hey, Rome wasn't built in a day. I'm excited about our future and can't wait to do some more work, taking us to yet another level. Well done girls, you made me proud.”
Pictures by Glen Rogers
PANTHERS LOSE OUT TO LEAGUE LEADERS PENRYN
Panthers endured their toughest match of the season facing top of the division Penryn 3
With two of their original line up not available until later in the game, Louise Piner started at WD and Erin Beale at WA. Both settled into the team quickly and Panthers took an early 3 goal lead. However, the strong Penryn GA brought her side into the game and despite pressure from GD Vicki Hastings and fantastic interceptions by Piner, the two sides were level at the end of the first period.
The second quarter saw more fantastic netball from both sides, the goals stayed with the centre pass and there was little between the two teams. Amie Hoskin worked hard to link defense and attack and, despite strong defending from her opponent, she continued her movement around the circle to give both her and GS Christina Broad every chance at goal. However, the tall Penryn shooter began to find her form and combined with the strong GA they kept the scores level, ending the half at 14 goals all.
Changes were made in the 3rd quarter bringing on original WA Emma Dunn and placing a versatile Beale into defense, with Drinkell taking up the C position. Good use of the court lead to some great conversions by Broad, but silly mistakes by the home team allowed Penryn to take the lead for the first time, leading 20-18 going into the last.
With the return of GK Kay Barker and Elliott back in C spirits were high but Penryn came out strong, quickly extending their lead. The Panthers didn’t give up and spurred on by their supporters they fought hard to the end with everyone giving it 100%. However, despite their best efforts they were unable to pull the deficit back and the game ended 23 - 29.
A disappointing result for The Panthers, and their first loss of the season on home turf, but with 2 games to go, a place in division 4 could still be theirs!
Pictures by Glen Rogers
COUGARS GET A CONVINCING WIN AT HOME TO ST AGNES 4
Liskeard Cougars were well and truly back to their winning ways when they welcomed St Agnes to Lux Park tonight.
LNC Cougars 45
St Agnes [4] 11
Starting Line-up: GK Sarah Skews, GD Erin Beale, WD Sophie Thomas, C Louise Piner, WA Carol Smith, GA Gabi Duffey, GS Vicky Ford
Without captain Emma Dalton the young side took control from the start, opening the scoring and pressurising St Agnes throughout the court. Despite a good effort by St Agnes they were unable to get onto the score sheet, with a nil scoring quarter.
Cougars needed to continue with this fast pace but, despite the strong lead, the team were lacking enthusiasm. However, as St Agnes changed their shooting partnership and finally got onto the score sheet both teams started to enjoy the game. Cougars stretched their lead through the excellent shooting of Gabi Duffey, backed up as always by Vicki Ford.
Liskeard controlled all the play and any loose passes from their opponents were picked off by Erin Beale and Carol Smith and fed swiftly down the court. Louise Piner linked the play well in her unfamiliar position of centre, proving she is a great asset to the team and a very versatile player.
Defensively in the third quarter the Cougars dominated. Sarah Skews and Beale forced the shooters to take long range shots, which unfortunately they were unable to convert. Vice captain Sophie Thomas settled the play coming out of defence and communicated well with her side as again St Agnes were unable to add to the score sheet for this quarter.
An injury to Duffey meant Ford moving out to GA but with the strong lead Cougars had, they were able to slow the game and work through to the final whistle. St Agnes had by far their best quarter with their GA netting some fantastic shots but the damage had already be done and Liskeard won the game by an impressive 45 goals to 11.
Pictures by Glen Rogers
Tigers continue their winning streak with a home victory over Connect 2
LNC Tigers 36
Connect 2 24
Liskeard Tigers were hoping to maintain their winning streak when they welcomed Connect 2 to Lux Park. The Tigers had already won the away fixture but they knew Connect were gunning for their first league win of the season.
With an injury to GS Kirstie Chappell, Amie Hoskin stepped up again for the Tigers in GA with Sophie Hocking dropping back into shooter. Both started well, netting their shots to give Liskeard an early lead. Connect took their time to settle into the game and with their less experienced GA it was down to the GS to net the long range shots. However, Liskeard took an early advantage of 12-5.
Liskeard maintained their momentum into the second period. Defensively they had control of the circle, GD Holly Lemon limited any movement by the GA, GK Lucy Smale was picking off the interceptions and with increased pressure by WD Laura Shepherd Liskeard extended their lead. The flow through the mid court was good and any turnovers by the defence were fed up the court through C Julia Eldridge and WA Jo Glossop. The shooters then duly converted to give Liskeard a 20-10 lead at half time.
The Connect defence came out stronger after the break, trying to reduce the movement of the Tigers. Their long reach meant Liskeard needed to be patient and work the ball around the circle to give the shooters the best opportunities at goal. Eldridge and Glossop worked hard but Connect started to have the edge at last and whisked the ball down the court. Lemon continued to restrict the GA but with the GS on fine form, despite the long reach of Smale, she helped Connect win the quarter to bring the scores 26-20 going into the last.
Christina Broad replaced Hoskin for the final quarter with Hocking moving out to GA. Adjusting quickly to the change Liskeard began to take control again. Eldridge and Shepherd worked hard throughout the court, feeding the ball as well as tipping any interceptions to keep Liskeard in front. Broad netted the long range shots the team knew they could rely on and Hocking continued to assist and convert any available rebounds.
Lemon and Smale closed off the circle allowing Connect just 8 attempts for the period and converting only 4. With this final surge from the Tigers they took the game 36-24.
It was a good team effort which the girls now need to build on before they face Newquay away on the 28th March.
Pictures by Glen Rogers
Tigers come back strong to secure a win against Connect 2
Connect [2] 27
LNC Tigers 39
Liskeard travelled to Rudruth for the second time in a week to meet Connect’s 2nd string. Following their defeat to Connect 1 Liskeard needed the 5 points, but with Connect 2 chasing their first win of the season, the Tigers knew both teams were up for the fixture.
Connect came out strong and soon went a few goals ahead, the forceful GA set the mark in the shooting circle and even with the tight marking on the GS, her teammate was quick to pick up the rebounds and keep Connect in front. Liskeard stayed on their heels though, trailing by 2 goals at the quarter break.
Liskeard picked up slightly during the 2nd period, good feeds into the circle from Eldridge and Glossop giving the shooters the opportunity to work their way back into the game. Defensively Lemon stepped up on the GA, working hard with GK Smale to reduce the shots at goal for both shooters and the teams drew the quarter, with Liskeard still just 2 goals behind.
Vicki Hastings came off the bench at half time to replace Captain Lucy Smale, with Lemon dropping back to GK. The fresh legs in the mid court gave Liskeard the boost they needed. Some excellent movement in the circle by both shooters, coupled with some fantastic long range shooting brought Liskeard back into the game. The defence in the mid court was superb with Glossop, Shepherd and Hastings picking off any loose passes and feeding into attack. Chappell and Hocking had both found their stride at this point and a high percentage of shots were converted.
Going into the final quarter 3 goals in front Liskeard couldn’t afford to be complacent, but Connect were tiring and Liskeard used this to their advantage. Shooters Chappell and Hocking had their best quarter; the movement off the ball helped the feed into the circle and gave many attempts at goal to keep Liskeard ahead. Lemon and Hastings worked hard to shut down the Connect attack, with just 6 attempts at goal for the entire period and only 50% being converted. Liskeard won the quarter 12 goals to 3, taking the match 39-27.
Captain Lucy Smale was really pleased with how the team fought back to win. “I didn’t think this game would be as easy as it looked on paper and Connect had a strong first half. But I was really pleased with how the Tigers kept going, despite going behind early on, and the second half display, particularly the last quarter, was outstanding. Both Kirstie and Sophie had an excellent game, Kirstie was definitely on form and this was really encouraged by Sophie and the team.”
A home win against division leaders Predators moves Panthers up to 3rd!
Panthers 31 - 22 Predators [4]
Starting Line-Up: GS Christina Broad, GA Vicky Ford, WA Amie Hoskin, C Siobhan Howe, WD Sophie Thomas, GD Vicki Hastings, GK Kay Barker. Res Erin Downe
Panthers were without captain Kerry Elliott for this fixture, and the recent departure of GD Judith Greystone meant that the team had a very different line-up going into the match, yet they still managed to pull off an impressive win against the current division leaders, working well together and adjusting quickly to the new line-up.
Great play in the centre third, with Howe, Hoskin and Thomas working well together to ensure that the ball made its way quickly down the court, and with some excellent shooting from Ford & Broad, Panthers lead 10-3 after the first quarter.
This positive play continued throughout the match with more great mid-court play as Downe came on at half time to replace co-captain Thomas, and with some fantastic movement and interceptions within the opposing circle by Hastings and "player of the match" Barker, Predators were kept at bay and the home team secured another win; much needed if Panthers' hopes of promotion are to come to fruition.
Tigers narrowly miss out on a division upset to 2nd placed St Agnes.
Liskeard Tigers 32 - 34 St Agnes [1]
Starting Line Up: GS Kirstie Chappell, GA Sophie Hocking, WA Amie Hoskin, C Jo Glossop, WD Lauren Finch, GD Holly Lemon, GK Lucy Smale. Res: Vicki Hastings & Christina Broad.
Statistically this fixture should have seen St Agnes win comfortably having only dropped one game all season whilst newly promoted Liskeard are still finding their feet. However the Tigers fought hard to disrupt their opponents.
Liskeard took the lead early in the first quarter. Key interceptions by WD Lauren Finch, and some good defensive work in the circle disrupted St Agnes’ flow but their experience settled the team towards the end and they took the quarter 10-6.
Due to the absence of centre Charlotte Randall, Liskeard had yet another new attacking line up with the return of Amie Hoskin in WA, and Jo Glossop moving to centre. Despite her absence so far this season Hoskin worked hard with Glossop linking defence and attack to feed their shooters.
An injury to GD Holly Lemon disrupted the Tigers defence, but replacement Vicki Hastings was quickly onto the court and whilst she and GK Lucy Smale had to adjust their game, Hastings’ constant interceptions from the start proved to be vital.
Heading into the third quarter 5 goals down, both teams appeared to be on fast forward. The speed throughout the court created chances for Tigers to capitalise on many loose throws and with GA Sophie Hocking finding her form with some excellent long range shooting, the Tigers won the quarter, going into the last 27-23 behind.
The final quarter proved a nail biter, St Agnes’ GK continued to cause problems for the shooters but GS and Player of the Match Kirstie Chappell kept her composure and despite missing some shots she constantly fought and converted the rebounds. Supported on the circle edge by Glossop and Hoskin the shooters brought the score level with 7 minutes to go then both teams were pretty much goal for goal until the final whistle, but despite Tigers winning the quarter, St Agnes had done enough earlier in the game and took the match 34-32.
Liskeard can be very pleased with their performance and the 2 points they fought hard for.