The long trip to Torquay resulted in a victory for Liskeard in what would appear to have been a very open and exciting game. It was neither. Most of the scores came from shoddy tackling and when Torquay realised the game was lost, reverted to damage limitation by way of spoiling tactics. Also the Torquay backs spent most of the game well offside thus depriving Liskeard any time and space.

One disappointing aspect of Torquay's spoiling was holding on to Liskeard players well after the ball had been played. Frustrated at not being allowed away, some players took the law into their own hands and as is the usual case in retaliation, were spotted and penalised. Doubtless, a more experienced referee would have seen the original offence and acted but more self control from the Liskeard boys is required to avoid potentially damaging penalties.

A stop start game which for the first time this season saw the Liskeard line out fail. Poor throwing and poor timing saw ball after ball squandered.

Still, the pack was very strong and for the most part, Jon Strand redeemed himself by a superb display of hooking which saw numerous Torquay ball go Liskeard's way. Just to rub salt in if Strand didn't take the ball, the scrum shunted their counterparts backwards at such a rate they could do little to control it. This meant the ball was squirting out the back and gave John Catchpole a field day in squashing his man who manfully tried to recover a bad situation.

Once again Ben Daniel and Matt Twornicki caused problems with their charging excursions. This week, against a weaker back row saw the support more effective. The backs were hit and quick ball secured.

Unfortunately, with Torquay always offside, the good ball was unable to be used to very good effect. Dave Hannah among the backs seemed the only one who wanted to take Torquay on. The rest were content to move the ball to little effect when the general idea is to attack and score. Four tries conceded was also reflective of their apathy and desire to impose themselves. John Catchpole seemed to rediscover some of his usual vigour. His flattening of his opponent and subsequent pick up and gallop with the loose ball was reminiscent of things he does in training, except he runs faster in training.

Dave Hannah scored three tries and the impressive Steve Yeo two, with Ben Daniel and John Catchpole one apiece. Ben Hudson found a forward gear to move on to a splendid pass from Ian Cooper to also score and Stu Taylor, once again in a torpor, ambled forward for seven conversions.

Hopefully, next week's training game at Bodmin allied to Dave Hudson's fitness regime will bear fruit. Meet at Lux Park, 10am