Penzance..........................................0
LISKEARD/LOOE mens hockey team achieved a hard earned win over title rivals Penzance in the final game of the season in the South West Division three. With only one point separating the top four teams at the start of the day a win was essential to ensure promotion.
Liskeard started without founder and captain Martin Sobey, but were otherwise at full strength, including a strong selection of loyal substitutes available. The return of player of the season Dale Wood provided a sense of solidity in defence and the first half saw Penzance repel a wave of Liskeards attacks down both wings. However the experienced Penzance defence held out despite the mounting pressure. A succession of short corners were saved and it looked as if Liskeard were not going to score.
In the early stages of the second half the Liskeard defence was kept busy, with Andrew Gash wielding his borrowed stick to some effect. Mark Queen showed some excellent dribbling skills down the right, but it looked like a draw was on the cards until Ashley Wadland deflected a well struck free hit into the goal. A minute later he became top scorer for the season with a curious shot-come-cross which deflected off the mesmerised Penzance keeper.
Thank you to all the supporters who turned out for this vital game, as it certainly made a difference. The mens team owe a lot to their colleagues in the ladies section who have provided support and help with setting up the club. Thanks also to Dave Brice for some excellent coaching through the year. It is great to achieve promotion in the first season with such a young team.
The search is on for new players as several of the team are moving on. Anyone interested is very welcome at training on Monday evenings 7pm at Lux Park, which is one of the best astro hockey pitches in the region.
Liskeard/Looe Mens Hockey Club players for the 2000/1 season were: Martin Sobey (Captain), Dale Wood, Ashely Wadland, Steve Fergus, Shaun, Mark Crouch, Andrew Waters, Dominic Ball, James Gash, Ben Harding, Mark McCartney, Mike Parkinson, Adam Saberton, Mark Queen, Marcus Allegne, Chris Southern & Dave Brice.
Newquay SECONDS......................2
Liskeard/Looe FIRSTS...............9
AS the umpire noted, an 'all star' Liskeard team travelled to Newquay for this quarter-final of the CHA cup competition. Newquay's reputation of strong defending was whispered amongst the visitors. However despite a shaky start and as the scoreline shows, there was no real cause for concern, as Newquay fielded a young side and won only a handful of midfield showdowns.
Armed with a brace of new penalty corner routines, Liskeard had plenty of opportunity to try them out. Clare Mitchell performed a star turn bagging five goals; Jackie Wray succinctly put her name on two; Lou McCartney netted one, reward for her grand efforts and E-J Smith also found the backboard.
Mel Box saved a penalty flick when the opposition had drawn straws as to who was to take it. The Liskeard defence were unfortunately caught off guard and allowed the couple of consolation goals for the seasiders. The semi-final will be played at Liskeard against Newquay I before the end of March.
Callington....................................0
Plymouth University IIIs......0
AFTER a much celebrated win last weekend, this weekend led to a 0-0 result. The match was dominated yet again by Callington but try as they could, Rachel Batten, Nikki Harris, Cindy Rice and Jo Chugg just could not get the ball past the University's goalie and their defence.
Plymouth University III's tried different tactics in the second half to get in a goal but put no pressure on the Callington goalie due to the Callington defence putting the ball back on course to the University end of the pitch.
A very active match but unfortunately no official winners although Callington had the edge throughout the match. Better luck next time Callington.
Liskeard win an all-action contest
Liskeard and Looe Ladies II won a hard fought match this weekend against a goal hungry Plymouth IV team.
It was all action from the first push back with only the fine defensive work of Ellie Mitchell, Fleur Wordon and Sarah Bassett preventing a first minute goal from the Plymouth team.
Liskeard soon fought back and took the play into the Plymouth 'D' where after much scrabbling, 'Tiger' Woods scored a cracking goal from the top of the 'D'. Plymouth came back with avengance in the second half with some excellent attacking play.
Yet again the Liskeard defence absorbed the pressure to create some fine breaks for the attack, Fleur taking the ball right into the opposition 25yard area before passing to the attack. Despite furious efforts from both sides, no further goals were scored leaving Liskeard with another win.