Liskeard-Looe 55 Wadebridge Camels 3

WITH the talent and ability in the Liskeard-Looe team, it was only a matter of time before it manifested itself on the field of play. That happened on Saturday and it was near neighbours Wadebridge Camels who bore the brunt. Initially the Camels looked the stronger side. They opened with all guns blazing and Liskeard-Looe were hard put to keep then under control. Ten minutes into the game, Rob Vivian, in attempting to clear the lines, kicked ahead but failed to find touch. Wadebridge' full back collected the ball, but was immediately tackled by John Underwood. The ball popped up and Dave Hannah picked it up and ran in a try for Marcus Hill to convert. This appeared to be a soft try, but if Liskeard-Looe had not been following up it would not have happened. Soon after Marcus Hill kicked a 30 yard penalty. These two early scores acted as a catalyst as Liskeard-Looe began to close down early on Camels attacks and were able to gain valuable possession at the breakdown. Wadebridge, however, were not to be denied and hit back with a penalty by Rescorla. Camels were actually playing quite well, but Liskeard-Looe covered and tackled ferociously. Play moved into Camels territory where Liskeard-Looe picked up and drove towards the line, a good strong drive which resulted in hooker Tristan Nicholas touching down for a try. Liskeard-Looe were now very much in charge and playing excellent rugby at all phases and they went further ahead when Bas Hocking joined the line from full back to run in an excellent try. Then right on half time Martin Sobey, playing on the left wing, picked up a ball 40 yards out and ran in another classy try, converted by Marcus Hill to give the Lions a 27-3 lead at the break. At the beginning of the second half Liskeard-Looe continued in the ascendancy and Martin Sobey finished a good move with his second try of the day, which Marcus Hill converted. Wadebridge, to their credit, were still playing good rugby and making progress into Liskeard-Looe territory. They were kept under control by committed tackling and efficient running and mauling. Nonetheless, Liskeard-Looe moved further ahead when John Underwood scored a try converted by Marcus Hill. This was quickly followed by another try by Martin Sobey, completing his hat,trick, converted by Marcus Hill. In the final 10 minutes, Liskeard-Looe went slightly off the boil which allowed a still determined Camels team back into the game. By playing good open rugby they once again forced their way into opposition territory, and Liskeard-Looe were required to defend desperately. This they did and proved themselves as good in defence as they had been in attack, so much so that in fact they once again took over control of the game. The final touch was a very good try for Neil Spencer, converted by Marcus Hill to bring the score to 55-3. This was a magnificent display by a Liskeard-Looe team which finally showed its full potential. In attack they were at time unstoppable. The pack worked extremely hard to produce good balls and half backs Dan Goodman and Marcus Hill often made early breaks before distributing the ball. Rob Vivian and Lester Hannah at centre and wings John Underwood and Martin Sobey were pacy and difficult to bring down, while Bas Hocking as full back gave an impressive display of covering and counter attack running. The back row of Dave Hannah, Cameron Bowis and Ali Hill were again on top form. Both flankers provided Camels with all sorts of problems because of his speed and close marking and Ali Hill as always was prepared to take the ball on and make those all-important hard yards. At the break down the front row of Danny Curgenven, Mike Manders and, making his comeback to the colours, Tristan Nicholas were always on hand to drive on with Ian Goldsmith and Rob Andrew once again always available to make the most of the possession. During the second half Danny Curgenven made way for Paul Mason, Lester Hannah and Neil Spencer, at which stage Martin Sobey moved from wing to centre and Cameron Bowis for Stuart Aldritt. All three proved what strength in depth is available. There was a confidence about the team which had previously been absent. Liskeard-Looe were well disciplined, well organised and communicative. This allowed their true talents to shine through. It is an attribute which must be retained. In this mood few teams in the league will deny them. Long may it last! Liskeard-Looe are away to Okehampton tomorrow (2.30pm). It will be a trip well worth making if this week's form is repeated.