Liskeard-Looe 59 St Columba 0

A SOMEWHAT experimental Liskeard-Looe overwhelmed St Columba at Lux Park on Saturday. A dream start saw Neil Spencer run in a try after only two minutes. Despite a wet, slippery pitch, both sides showed an intention to play open running rugby. Because of the wet conditions the occasional ball went to ground, but all credit to both sides for being prepared to take the small risk involved. Liskeard-Looe improved their lead after 20 minutes when Lester Hannah finished off a flowing back movement to score what was his first try in one and a half seasons. He will tell you he has made dozens for others and to be fair he's probably right. Just before half time Adam Driver side-stepped an opponent, threw the St Columba defence off balance and ran in a classy try, converted by Marcus Hill. The second half opened in similar fashion. Liskeard-Looe had the majority of clean possession, despite their line out being below par. St Columba showed a lot of spirit and determination and put in some telling tackles. But it was only a matter of time before Liskeard-Looe found a way through and Nathan Gilbert, playing at centre, broke through a tackle and ran in a good try for Marcus Hill to convert. Now the floodgates opened. Playing some slick open rugby Liskeard-Looe made huge inroads into opposition territory. Tries followed by Tom Gilbard, Nathan Gilbert again, Adam Driver got his second, Marcus Hill and Martin Sobey, all converted by Marcus Hill, bringing the tally to 59 points. Credit must also go to St Columba. Despite being on the wrong end of a beating, they never stopped tackling. When in possession they always tried to run the ball and their commitment and self-discipline was exemplary – hardly a loose fist or foot all afternoon. They had arrived short in numbers and were loaned four players by Liskeard-Looe to make the game possible. This had the bonus of giving selectors and coach a chance to see several second team contenders for the first team squad in action. It would be very easy, but churlish to criticise Liskeard-Looe for being late to the breakdown at some stages of the second half. They were after all in charge of the game and too far in the lead to have the result endangered. The lineout, however was not too good and probably needs looking at. Next week the first team are away to Wellington in the Cornwall and Devon League. It would be wonderful if the flair and flow of last weekend could be carried into that game. Kick off at Wellington will be at 3pm for those making the trip. It is after all only a few miles north of Exeter.