Liskeard-Looe narrowly beaten on home soil by Wadebridge Camels Seconds

LISKEARD-LOOE fell to a second successive narrow defeat at home as Wadebridge Camels Seconds left Lux Park with victory.

The Lions were looking to bounce back from a 33-31 reversal to Launceston Castles, and there were five changes for various reasons as Mike Mander, Kyle Maslen, Michael Prowse, Billy Edwards and Alex Kendall all made way with James Martyn, Yestin Hutchings, Billy Warner, Jack Badnall and Ieuan Evans all named in the starting XV.

However, they found themselves behind inside three minutes as after a penalty was kicked to touch and a catch and drive was stopped illegally, they once again did the same, this time going over from seven yards. The conversion was good for 7-0.

From the restart Liskeard-Looe put their opposition under pressure and on 15 minutes were given a penalty, which was converted by Callum Beaver.

Camels were not to be outdone and on 18 minutes scored their second converted try and a lead of 11 points. The visitors now took control over large areas forcing Liskeard Looe to defend and were able to keep the visitors at bay until the 35th minute, when they managed to increase their lead with a try that this time wasn’t added to.

Liskeard-Looe showed great determination and on 37 minutes were rewarded as No.8 Adam Dack crossed to which Beaver converted, meaning the visitors’ lead was down to nine points at 19-10.

After the break, it was Liskeard Looe’s turn to dominate with position and possession forcing efficient defending from the Camels team. Having spent all of the ensuing 15 minutes in Wadebridge territory, Kieron Knight took a ball on the gallop 15 yards out and forced his way to a well-deserved try.

Liskeard-Looe remained in control, but despite trapping Camels in their own half, were initially unable to penetrate the Wadebridge defence. All that pressure brought its reward when the pack drove Camels backwards and Dack gathered the ball over the line for a try to give the Lions a one-point lead.

They continued to keep possession and control for most of the remainder of the game, but on 73 minutes Camels picked up the ball and for the first time in the half managed to get into the home 22. Following a decent passing movement, they sealed the match with a converted try giving them a winning lead of 26-20.

For the second week running, Liskeard-Looe showed much determination and plenty of skill in what was a thoroughly entertaining game of rugby. It demonstrated what a useful unit they can be, and if they continue to play in this way, the Lux Park faithful are in for a season of ambitious rugby.

Man-of-the-match for the hosts went to Will Hoskin for his impressive display in the back-row.

After two home games, Liskeard-Looe now prepare for Saturday’s trip to Perranporth who were held to a 17-17 draw by visiting St Just on Saturday. Any visiting support would be much appreciated.

LISKEARD-LOOE: Kieran Underhill; James Rogers, Kieran Knight, Ieuan Evans, Jack Badnall; Callum Beaver (capt), Jay Mason; James Martyn, Cian Goldsmith, Jack Wilton; Oliver Dunn, Yestin Hutchings; Billy Warner, Will Hoskin, Adam Dack. Replacements: Josh Husband, Luke Chapman. James Noel-Johnson, Alex Kendall.

Tries: Dack (2), Knight; Convs: Beaver; Pens: Beaver.

Lions’ man-of-the-match: Will Hoskin.