A game against the county champions is always a tense affair, and having only 13 players doesn't help the cause. An injured captain Dave Hannah, and South West Divisional trials for Stuart Taylor and Ben Daniels meant Liskeard had to borrow two Truro "players" out of their vast squad.

Liskeard's hooker Lewis Elliot played centre, and No 8 Matt Twornicki propped with Marcus Lane the flying winger at full back. A Truro boy stood on a wing. As if this wasn't enough, Dudley Rowe discovered how soft his head really is when it hits solid bone . He left the field injured before half time to have five stitches in his eyebrow.

These minor setbacks not withstanding, Liskeard proceeded to produce a performance of tremendous character. Shorn of the star turns, the rank and file were obliged to show what they could do, and by gum they did.

The first scrum saw Liskeard shoot backwards at an alarming rate. Just once this happened. A shock to the system is sometimes a good thing, and so it was for Liskeard. Hooker Jon Strand took three strikes against the put in and props Matt Twornicki and Stuart Patten made life miserable their counterparts. Indeed, the normally static Patten had an excellent game. Without Ben Daniels to do the hard charging, Patten had to do it himself. He may not be as forceful as Daniels but still put himself around to great effect, even having the tenerity to produce his first ever side step. Wonders will never cease.

Jon Strand, obviously inspired by the nimble Patten sold dummies everywhere . The Truro pack, incensed by the dexterity of the Liskeard front row, took it personally. Unable to beat Liskeard they made attempts to upset the serenity of the locals. But it was all spotted by the superb referee which saw Truro lose total control up front.

The loss of Rowe and carrying a Truro stand in did little to affect the momentum of the six remaining locally produced forwards. Locks Adrian Blair and Mark Davy both had immense games. Their play against the superior jumpers was fabulous, giving John Catchpole plenty of time and space, but their play around the pitch was even better. Support or driving, both forces were superb, especially coming from two relative novices.

With such an assortment, an open game was inevitable. The normally strong defence of Liskeard was in slight disarray, with so many players out of position. Nevertheless, the tackling of Lewis Elliot and Marcus Lane was top class, but problems of re-alignment always gave Truro room outside.

But still Liskeard rose to the challenge. Tries from Tom Gillbard, John Catchpole and Mike Coffin plus a conversion from Coffin, saw Liskeard lead 17-12 at half time.

Dudley Rowe's exit just before half time had a strange effect on Truro. Their game collapsed. Arguing and personal vendettas took over and Liskeard made hay. A storming half saw tries from Mark Davy, Adrian Blair and a superb second from Gillbard with another conversion from Coffin. The effort from such a depleted side finally told when Truro got their act together to claw back their deficit. Three late tries against an exhausted Liskeard was not quite enough however, and Liskeard held on for a famous victory against all the odds.

A final word for Mark Collins who displayed amazing tenacity when taking on the biggest Truro boys. His tackling technique wasn't always good and he always came off second best, but he always went back for more to slow them down.

This Sunday, at home to Newquay, kick off at 11am. Supporters welcome, pitchside tea and coffee. . . . . Roger Gailer.