Cornwall and Devon League

Falmouth 6 Liskeard-Looe 18

LISKEARD-Looe consolidated their mid-table position last Saturday by completing the double over Falmouth with some style. On a wet, heavy and slippery pitch, Falmouth had the kick off and with a strong wind in their favour, they spent the opening 10 minutes in the Liond half and were rewarded with a penalty by Steve Larkin. Despite their territorial and wind advantage, Liskeard-Looe held their line and defended with a deal of great deal of commitment. Gradually they managed to take a degree of control and after 20 minutes were awarded a penalty in the Falmouth 22 metre area, which was converted by an excellent kick from Marcus Hill. Ten minutes later, following some excellent forward play, Ali Hill ran in a well-earned try and brother Marcus added the extras. By now Liskeard-Looe had virtually taken control of the game. Falmouth were getting good possession but were quickly closed down and Liskeard-Looe proved themselves adept at turning the ball over to regain possession. The Lions pack had Falmouth under enormous pressure, making service from the scrums quite slow. At the lineout Liskeard-Looe had Falmouth jumpers in difficulty. Both sets of three quarters were trying to play open rugby despite the wet, slippery conditions. The superiority of the Lions pack, made their life more comfortable. Danny Curgenven, Tristan Nicholls and Mike Manders were outstanding in the set pieces, with Adam Driver and Chris Sobey punching holes in the Falmouth line ably assisted by the back row of Ian Goldsmith, Rob Andrew and Ali Hill. Despite all this effort, it was Falmouth had the final score of the first half when Steve Larkin slotted over his second penalty. In the second half, Liskeard-Looe just about maintained their advantage and there was some strong running from Lester Hannah and John Underwood at centre, while wings Neil Spencer and Martin Sobey had some useful moments when the slippery ball got that far. Full back Andy Sheer was in the line to create the half break. Liskeard-Looe increased their lead early on with a second penalty by Marcus Hill. Falmouth, reduced to desperate defending for long periods, were unable to make much progress, although for a short period in the half, Liskeard-Looe did appear to lose concentration and during that time made the Falmouth team look better than it really was. Not for the first time this season, scrum half Danny Goodman proved his worth and combined well with fly half Marcus Hill to create chances for his team. It was perhaps inevitable that the Falmouth defence eventually gave way and following a good open movement John Underwood ran in a try for Marcus Hill to convert. It was another well-planned and hard-working performance by Liskeard-Looe, who have improved week by week recently. Liskeard-Looe entertain Wellington at Lux Park tomorrow in what promises to be a close and exciting encounter.