A balmy first September Sunday saw Liskeard take a huge stride towards recovering the county cup, when, breaking with tradition, they won their first fixture of the season.

The fairly mild conditions and firm pitch were an ideal test for the summer fitness regime of Dave Hudson. Plymstock also proved and unusually stern test with their hard summer training also plainly evident.

Indeed, from the start Plym applied massive pressure but all to no avail as the Liskeard defence as reassuringly stout as ever repelled all comers. From such heavy tackling comes mistakes and David Hannah in his new centre position was always on hand to stop loose balls and score the first two tries using the simple expedient of eyes open and reacting quickly. The third score from Tommy Gillbard was a cracker which saw quick transference of the ball down the line, giving him space to accelerate and crash through in the corner.

Obviously the exertions of scoring three tries tired Liskeard because straight away Plym stormed up the field and scored from a No 8 pick up from the base of the scrum. Despite a valiant attempt from Mark Collins who tried to climb the No 8 and bring him down head first , his muscular six stones weren't enough to stop the score.

The second half saw Liskeard's superior fitness take over. Despite the wilting heat the pace of Liskeard never faltered and it was mainly one way traffic heading towards the Plymstock line.

Three more tries from Stuart Taylor, Ben Hudson and Dudley Rowe all converted by Taylor to add to one in the first half, saw Liskeard finally overwhlem a very spirited Plym in what was a very entertaining game, refereed by a very warm Ken Rowe.

This first fixture saw Liskeard together for the first time since last season and obviously some rustiness had set in, being out rucked and static passing being two technical problem, with not looking on the ground for the ball and not looking forward when running causing two minor discipline problems. All these will be rectified, but the plus points far out-wighed the negatives. The scrummage was superb as was the line out and the defence was magnificent. In attack the backs scored five of the six tries which , for a unit which passes standing still, isn't too bad but will improve. Finally, Dudley Rowe. He was superb and was the king of a brilliant team effort. . . . . .Roger Gailer