LISKEARD/LOOE......13pts
SALTASH...........................17
Unavailability saw Tim Jackson move from flanker to outside centre, whilst Julian Shakerly was on one wing and Kevin Bunkum the other.
Chris Sobey made his first XV debut at flanker and veteran Bob Bettison was back as hooker.
Saltash opened brightly and following several good moves, took an early lead with a try by James Rich. Liskeard/Looe fought back and during a period of pressure gained the lead by way of two excellent penalty kicks by Marcus Hill.
Both sides were playing uncompromising tight rugby and just before half time Saltash regained the lead when Peter Congo ran in from 30 yards for a well deserved try.
The early exchanges of the second half went Saltash's way and they gained their reward through a push over try touched down by Congo and converted by Tremaine Harbutt.
As the half progressed, Liskeard/Looe began to take over the initiative and gained a well deserved try by Mark Goldsmith which Marcus Hill converted. The last few minutes saw Liskeard/Looe remain on the attack, but they were unable to increase the score.
Liskeard/Looe were desperately unlucky to come away from this match with no league points. They showed enormous spirit and commitment both in attack and in defence.
Credit, however, must go Saltash who just about held out for the win. The Liskeard/Looe pack looked much more settled this week. Once again Sam Spearing took some useful line out balls, Nathan Gilbert had several useful runs and Matt Palmer and Mark Goldsmith had brilliant games.
Debutante Chris Sobey tackled well and also made some useful runs. He has done his chance of future first team games no harm at all. Andrew Harris and Marcus Hill had lively the games we have come to expect of them whilst Julian Shakerley showed both pace and defensive abilities.
On the other wing, Kevin Bunkum proved reliable and was unlucky on several occasions not to have crossed the line. Tim Jackman proved a more than able centre and his tackling capability more than once snuffed out promising Saltash moves. Replacement full-back, Neil Cooper, had a steady afternoon and moved well to join in attacks.
On Saturday, Liskeard/Looe travel to Wadebridge to take on the Camels in the league. The following week in the third round of the Tetley Bitter Vase Liskeard/Looe have drawn Falmouth away.
The game at Wadebridge kicks off at 3.00pm. The Falmouth match and all hereafter will kick off at 2.30pm.
CORNWALL DIVISION ONE
P W L D F A Pts
Saltash 5 4 0 1 172 62 8
Bodmin 4 3 0 1 38 39 6
Helston 4 2 1 1 50 73 5
Wadebridge 3 2 0 1 81 28 4
St Agnes 4 2 0 2 73 60 4
Redruth Albany 4 1 1 2 38 64 3
Lisk-Looe 4 1 0 3 40 56 2
Falmouth 4 1 0 3 56 87 2
St Day 4 1 0 3 50 130 2