Kingsbridge 25 Liskeard-Looe 15

LISKEARD-LOOE made their first visit to Kingsbridge last Saturday and despite working very hard, came away empty handed. Strong Kingsbridge pace put Liskeard-Looe under extreme pressure very early on and they took a three-point lead when Simon Munday landed an easy penalty after only two minutes. As the half continued Liskeard-Looe began to get the measure of Kingsbridge and were rewarded when Marcus Hill kicked a penalty off the upright. Minutes later Kingsbridge again took the lead with a try by winger Ben Glover, followed shortly afterwards by a further try by No 8 Colin Stewart, the latter converted by Simon Mundy. Following a re-organisation of their side, Liskeard-Looe began to put together some decent moves and were justly rewarded when Andy Sheer scored a good try. At half time Liskeard-Looe trailed 15-8. Liskeard-Looe began the second half in storming fashion and when the pack took a scrum against the head, centre John Underwood broke through for another excellent try, converted by Marcus Hill. With the scores level it looked like Liskeard-Looe might capitalise and take the lead. Several time they created potential try-scoring opportunities but a combination of wrong options and committed Kingsbridge defence denied them. In the last 10 minutes Kingsbridge made the game theirs with two good tries, one by Ben Glover and the other by Andy Horton. This was a better Liskeard-Looe performance than the previous week. Although initially the pack was under some pressure in the scrum, they covered well and took their fair share of lineout ball. Once again the back row of Alister Hill, Rob Andrew and Stuart Aldrit impressed with massive runs and good tackling. When Stuart Aldrit had to leave the field, Dave Hannah moved from full back to flanker and had a terrific game. His brother Lester and Gareth Jones came on as substitutes and in the second half Bob Bettison replaced James Collins as hooker. This was a better performance by Liskeard-Looe, who looked a tighter unit than the previous week, but nonetheless there is a need for some mental awareness. Small lapses in concentration and taking the occasional wrong option has cost valuable points. This is not a large problem which can be addressed and remedied. Liskeard-Looe visit St Day in the first round of the Powergen Vase Competition tomorrow. This could be an outstanding game, so make your way down and support the boys.