Liskeard-Looe 16 Bideford 8

Liskeard-Looe recorded a much-needed win against fellow mid-table side Bideford to maintain their hard-won league position. Almost from the first whistle Liskeard-Looe went on the attack, but were held by excellent Bideford defending. The visitors however took the lead after six minutes. The Lions gave away a needless penalty deep in Bideford's half. Bideford took the opportunity to take play into Liskeard-Looe territory, where they were awarded another penalty which fly half Neil Giddy converted. Once again Liskeard-Looe took the initiative. Time and again they stormed in to the Bideford half with some strong running by Adam Driver, Ian Goldsmith and Ali Hill. The packs were fairly evenly matched at scrums and lineouts, but Liskeard-Looe proved more efficient at the breakdown, where David Hannah and Louis Elliott showed well. However the home side were unable to benefit from the advantage due to a mixture of suspect discipline and the taking of wrong options. In fact, Bideford, on one of their rare forays into Liskeard-Looe ground, went further ahead when full back Mark Slee joined in the line to finish a good move with a try. For the rest of the first half Liskeard-Looe were very much in charge but were still unable to penetrate the Bideford defence. Thus it was that half time was reached with Bideford having an eight point advantage, much against the run of play. The second half saw a better organised Liskeard-Looe again pinning Bideford in their own half. Despite the Bideford defence holding firm, the gap was closed by Marcus Hill slotting two penalties in about 10 minutes. Playing better rugby than in the first period, Liskeard-Looe kept Bideford on the defensive for long periods. When they did break out, Bideford found themselves restricted by some fierce tackling from Jamie Robins, Lester Hannah and the Liskeard-Looe pack. On the counter attack, good kicking by Marcus Hill and excellent running by Baz Hocking saw good ground gained. The improved handling and options by Liskeard-Looe allowed them to keep the pressure going and it became only a matter of time before the Bideford defence was breached. That privilege fell to scrum half Dan Goodman, who gathered from a powerful drive to touch down and give his team a slender three point lead. The final 10 minutes was all Liskeard-Looe. Try as they might Bideford were unable to break the stranglehold and Liskeard-Looe had the final say. They forced their way deep into the Bideford 22 and there they stayed. Phase after phase was recycled as they drove forward, often involving the three-quarters and wings, but each time they were stopped by committed tackling. Eventually, however, it fell to prop Mike Manders to round off the game. He maintains it was 30 yards, involving a variety of side steps and body swerves. From the touchline it seemed as if he found himself in space, when a gap in the defence appeared about 10 yards out, which he was only too pleased to make use of and cross for a try, the last of the game. Not the prettiest game of rugby ever seen and certainly in the first half Liskeard-Looe did not play well. In the second half however they got it together and did more than enough to get the result they needed and deserved. Liskeard-Looe are away to Wadebridge in the league tomorrow. The next home game is on Saturday April 16 against touring London Cornish, who have had a good season in the London Leagues. It is hoped to gather as many former Liskeard-Looe players as possible for this match - so come along, swell the crowd and have a few beers with friends old and new.