Liskeard-Looe 26 Okehampton 10
A MUCH improved display by Liskeard-Looe saw them collect two valuable league points and swap league position with Okehampton. Resplendent in new shirts – generously sponsored by Topan Fencing from Doublebois – Liskeard opened well and were unlucky to fall three points behind when D Wills kicked a penalty for Okehampton. The situation was remedied soon after when Marcus Hill also kicked a penalty. Liskeard-Looe's pace created good second and third phase possession and despite the wet conditions they were prepared to spread the ball wide. Once again Ali Hill was to the fore in close play, as was Ian Goldsmith, while No8 Baz Hocking made some lovely runs and linked well with the outsiders. All this pressure inevitably meant further points for Liskeard–Looe and they came when Danny Curgenven ran in a try. Then with half time approaching Baz Hocking made a break from loose play, made good ground to the Okehampton 22 and passed inside for Ian Goldsmith to complete a stylish try. Not long into the second half Marcus Hill put Liskeard-Looe further ahead with a penalty. Liskeard-Looe had one of their inattentive spells and allowed Okehampton back into the game. They capitalised on the situation with a try by B Griffiths, converted by B Wills. Thankfully Liskeard-Looe's quick spell was short lived and gradually they began to regain control. Fly half Rob Vivian was unlucky to pick up a sin bin, but Liskeard-Looe still forced forward. Baz Hocking moved to fly half and Martin Sobey from centre to flanker. Awarded a scrum seven yards out from Okehampton line, Liskeard put in a supreme effort and Martin Sobey touched down the pushover try. Okehampton kept their shape and often broke away, but excellent Liskeard-Looe defence prevented them from narrowing the gap. The finishing touch was applied by Andy Sheer. A good move along the left wing led to recycled ball, Sheer cut in from his wing and kicked a beauty of a drop goal from about 20 yards. This was a demonstration of what can be achieved when Liskeard-Looe play as a team instead of individuals. There was a better understanding and some brilliant back-up play. At time the short ruck and recycling was almost unstoppable. Liskeard-Looe were never in danger of losing, but they could have increased their score but for moments of indiscipline, conceding unnecessary penalties when in good attacking positions. Liskeard-Looe are at home to Bude in the first round of the Cornwall Cup tomorrow (Sat). This should be a great game against senior league opposition. Liskeard-Looe perform well in front of a good crowd, so come along and help them scale new heights.