LISKEARD took to the pitch missing four players from the squad but with newcomers Marcia Burgess and Amy Collins – playing in her first ever game at just 16 – eager to prove themselves.

Albion had put out a very strong side including county players and England trialists and fully expected to notch up the points in revenge for the defeat last month.

Playing on the second team pitch where the slope had enabled the match to go ahead after severe rain, Albion started facing downhill.

Right from the kick off Liskeard stormed up the hill and within a couple of minutes the determination of the pack and the slick handling of the backs put Ami Smith away on the left.

Ami usually likes to run over opponents but on this occasion chose the better option, stepping nimbly outside and outpacing the cover to score under the posts. Mel Box converted.

Albion were stunned by this score and concentrated on trying to use their far heavier players to smash through the defence in midfield.

They had not counted on the superb tackling, courageous ball winning and close support play of Liskeard which continued throughout the match.

Several stoppages for injury showed what a bruising encounter this was for both sides.

When Albion did get some structure to their moves, their experienced backs looked dangerous and eventually managed to outnumber the Liskeard defence and score in the corner.

Both sides had trouble with lineouts, but it was the Albion prop who capitalised on a loose ball and charged over from five metres.

Trailing 7-10 at half time, Liskeard know that, with the slope, they could really pile on the pressure in the second half.

Things were looking pretty even with full commitment from both teams until scrum half Garrett slipped her blind side cover from a scrum and left the defence flat footed to score for Liskeard.

Leading 12-10, Liskeard then had a number of chances and were unlucky not to score two or three times; a toe in touch prevented one certain try and on another occasion the ball was clearly grounded over the line – confirmed by Albion coach and touch judge – but the referee, who had an excellent game, was unsighted and could not give the score.

Such was the determination of Liskeard not to concede an inch of their half that they were committing more and more players to rucks and mauls.

With only minutes to go, Albion clearly threw the ball wide and despite a venomous tackle from full back Anna Mallett, the loose ball was scooped up by the Albion support player to score.

The whole of Liskeard squad can be justifiably proud of their performance and the knowledgeable crowd was impressed at the progress the team has made this season.

Training is at 7pm at Lux Park – whatever the weather!

Plymouth Combination

Ellis Cup

Liskeard/Looe IIs 7pts

Saltash Veterans 31

Old heads triumphed over young legs at Liskeard in this quarter-final tie.

With an average age of 39, the hugely experienced Veterans adapted more readily to the typhoon conditions and barnstormed their way into the semi-finals.

Leading the charge with two first half tries was one time Plymouth Albion stalwart Dave Venables who opened the Saltash account after a 25-yard solo dash.

John Curtis and Steve O'Melia added tries and Grant Brettell managed three conversions from four attempts at the posts to give them a 26 points half time lead.

The Veterans find it tougher going against the slope and the elements after the break.

But there was no doubting who had control of things. Curtis added his second try midway through the half.

While Dan Morgan converted Andy Swales's late consolation try as Liskeard staged a spirited late show of defiance.

Cornwall 2

Lankelly 0

Roseland 82

FIELDING a full fifteen, the Fowey side made a better fist of this encounter than the

120-0 drubbing at Philleigh last October.

They put up a brave display in dreadful conditions abut are still awaiting that elusive first win of the season.