Cornwall Senior Cup Liskeard-Looe 19 Bude 21

Liskeard-Looe and Bude created a cracking game of rugby in their first round game at Lux Park on Saturday. Bude, currently in the upper reaches of the league above Liskeard-Looe brought down a full first team, obviously intending to progress in the competition. Bude took an early lead with a well taken try by Bob Uglow converted by Steve Jones. Their handling especially outside the scrum was slick and well organised. Liskeard-Looe however defended well and on an incursion to Bude territory were awarded a penalty which Marcus Hill kicked. With Bude in the ascendancy, Liskeard-Looe were forced to defend with some great covering and tackling. The whole side were involved, but particularly impressive were Jamie Robins, Neil Spencer, Martin Sobey and back rows Rob Andrew and Duncan Fraser with Ian Goldsmith, Adam Driver and Ali Hill making good attacking runs, supported by Danny Curgenven, Paul Mason and Phil Goldsmith. Nonetheless, Bude extended their lead when a rare slack bit of covering allowed Steve Jones to burst through the middle for a good individual try, which he also converted. Liskeard-Looe were rewarded just before half time when Marcus Hill kicked his second penalty to make the score at the break 6-14. Liskeard stormed into Bude territory in the second half and centre Jamie Robins, deputising as kicker for Marcus Hill - sin binned on the stroke of half time - converted a difficult penalty from 30 yards. This put Liskeard-Looe within striking distance, but it was Bude who picked up the pace. Despite some inspired defence by Liskeard-Looe, the visitors eventually found a gap and Gent finished off a splendid move with a try again converted by Steve Jones. With a 12-point lead and playing well, Bude must have thought that they were home and dry. Liskeard, to their eternal credit, gathered their composure and gave the spectators a final 20 minutes of excellent rugby, better than anything seen at Lux Park for several seasons. The pack were magnificent. Following a great afternoon Danny Curgenven and Phil Goldsmith gave way to Mike Manders and Bob Bettison and joined veteran Paul Mason in the front row. The pack tore into Bude at set and loose and provided excellent possession for their outsides. Intelligent and well-timed distribution by Dan Goodman, Marcus Hill and Rob Vivian gave opportunities for open, flowing rugby and excellent runs by Baz Hocking, Martin Sobey, Jamie Robins and Neil Spencer. At the breakdown back rows Ali Hill, Rob Andrew and Duncan Fraser were immense, gathering and making the hard yards with Adam Driver and Ian Goldsmith always at the shoulder to continue the move and ensure second and third phase possession. Bude, now very much on the back foot, were struggling to contain Liskeard-Looe and Martin Sobey was desperately unlucky to have what looked to be two good tries disallowed in five minutes. His persistence was rewarded when on the third attempt he stormed in for a try that he and the team so richly deserved. Liskeard-Looe kept up the pressure and quality of their game. Once again they took their opposition on at every aspect. Adam Driver and Ian Goldsmith were superb at the lineout, while in the scrum Bude were struggling to maintain shape and form. Time and again they forged a path deep into Bude territory, only to be repulsed by clearance kicks. Eventually the pressure told and Adam Driver, on a breathtaking run, fought his way in for a grand try. Regrettably both tries were well off to the left leaving difficult angles and lengths for Marcus Hill, who was so close with the kicks, but just not close enough. Now only two points adrift and with only three minutes to go, Liskeard-Looe kept the momentum going, but despite huge efforts they were unable to break down Bude again. So by the narrowest of margins, Bude go on into the next round and Liskeard will wish them well and further progress in the competition. This was a magnificent display by the whole Liskeard-Looe team and one which must dispel any suspicions about ability and commitment. It was not often that a team recovers from a 12 point deficit in this way so late in the game, but Liskeard-Looe did and with style and determination. At times it was hard to remember which of the teams came from the Senior League. If Liskeard-Looe continue to hold this form in the league, then their position in Cornwall and Devon will not only be secure, they will be a force to be feared. They came out of this game with confidence as a team. confirmation of their ability and a good measure of respect from their opponents. Liskeard-Looe are away to Tavistock tomorrow, with a 2.30pm kick off. Being so close it is to be hoped that many will travel the short distance to support them.