EDF Energy Junior Vase

Liskeard-Looe 25

Campion 3

LISKEARD-LOOE reached the quarter-finals of the national EDF Energy Junior Vase with an impressive win over Campion from Essex League One.

Liskeard-Looe opened strongly and took a deserved lead after only seven minutes.

They had forced Campion deep into their own half and, following some excellent forward play, the ball was put out along the line and centre Baz Hocking crossed for a try which he converted himself.

The remainder of the first half was pretty exciting stuff.

Both sides played adventurous, attacking rugby and defended fiercely.

A couple of times Campion threatened the line but were kept out by excellent covering and tackling. Half-time was reached with no further score.

Only four minutes into the second half, Campion reduced the deficit when an attacking move led to them being awarded a penalty which fly-half Paul Larner put over.

Liskeard-Looe once again went on the attack and, six minutes later, saw them with a line-out five yards from the try line.

Liskeard won the ball and put together a strong drive, allowing prop Bob Bettison to touch down.

Another five minutes and Liskeard-Looe went further ahead with a Hocking penalty to give them a 12-point lead.

There was no time to relax, however, as Campion were always seeking attacking opportunities.

Liskeard-Looe displayed considerable defensive skills and once again went on the attack.

Just beyond the hour mark, Liskeard-Looe increased their advantage with another Hocking penalty.

Now with a 15-point comfort zone, Liskeard-Looe began to play some more adventurous rugby, but were soon reminded by Campion that this was no time to relax as they attacked the Liskeard- Looe lines.

Once again the home side proved able to repel them and broke away.

It was Hocking who put the whole thing beyond question.

On a break-out the ball was kicked ahead. Hocking outsprinted the chasers and gathered the ball 40 yards out. He was then caught by a Campion winger, whose attempted tackle was too high. Hocking kept going and eventually crossed the line with three players trying to pull him down.

The try was converted by Marcus Hill with a great kick from 40 yards and on the touchline.

The final seven minutes were again keenly contested, with both sides still playing flat out in an exciting, cracking game of rugby, much enjoyed by the crowd.

The win puts Liskeard Looe into the last eight of a national competition for the first time, and they now face Cornwall Division One title rivals St Austell at Lux Park tomorrow week, with a 2.00pm kick-off.

Tomorrow, Liskeard-Looe get back to league action when they entertain Roseland. Once again this could be an open and exciting game, with a 2.30pm kick-off.

Liskeard-Looe are now riding high in second place in the league, have won through to the Junior Vase quarter-finals and are also in the semi-final of the Cornwall Clubs Cup, where they will face Stithians over two legs.

They are playing exciting and entertaining rugby and would welcome bigger crowds to help them celebrate the quality of their play.