Liskeard-Looe 23 Wellington 15

IN A welcome change at Lux Park Liskeard-Looe Lions recorded a well deserved victory on Saturday. From the outset Liskeard-Looe were on the attack and after five minutes were rewarded with a Marcus Hill penalty. They continued on the attack playing attractive rugby, if at times a little too complicated. A stout Wellington defence denied any increase in the score and gradually regained their composure to gain ground and force Liskeard-Looe to demonstrate their own considerable defensive abilities. On the half hour Wellington finally broke through with a try by J Evans, converted by A Parsons. Once again the Lions showed character to storm back within three minutes. Marcus Hill kicked a penalty and reduced the deficit to a single point. For the remainder of the first half Liskeard-Looe remained in control of the game but were unable to gain any further points. At the restart Liskeard-Looe continued to attack and within five minutes took a deserved lead when Marcus Hill slotted a third penalty. The Lions were well on top but Wellington were not in the mood to give anything away. Time after time Liskeard-Looe made ground only to be halted by Wellington, who cleared their lines and made inroads into Lions territory. Wellington regained their lead with a penalty by fly half Parsons and half an hour into the half increased it with a neat setpiece move put Trott over for an excellent try. Liskeard-Looe were playing the better rugby and rather against the run of play found themselves six points down with only 10 minutes to go. The resilience and cohesion missing in previous matches now began to show through. The pack was gaining clean and useful possession and the outsides put together several massive runs. With five minutes to go and following some clever running and handling, the ball was spun out wide for Neil Spencer to score. Marcus Hill made no mistake with his conversion from 35 yards and wide out on the right hand side, so giving his side a single point advantage with only four minutes to go. What a fast and furious four minutes it was. Both sides threw everything into attack, but it was Liskeard-Looe who put the finishing touch. Almost on the stroke of time Hannah found a gap with a beautifully angled run to touch down and give Marcus Hill an easy conversion, pulling the result beyond doubt. An entertaining afternoon with Liskeard-Looe gaining a well deserved two league points. After fielding a very different looking side, it was good to see John Catchpole back and he had a splendid match at scrum half. Damian Chambers continued to impress at second row, this week partnered by Bryn Jenkins making his league debut. He also had a terrific game, linking well with his partner and dominating at the line out. The whole pack put in a huge effort and laid the foundation for a fine team performance. Up front Mike Manders, Nathan Gilbert and Tristan Nicholls gave their opposite numbers plenty of problems and the back row of Ali Hill, Lewis Elliot and Olly Hoskins were inspired. Outside saw wings John Sedgley and Neil Spence in great form both in attack and defence. Centre Rowan Ball and Lester Hannah benefited from clean and accurate possession and distributions from the half backs and proved how tricky they can be. At full back Dave Hannah gave his always complete commitment, covering well and often joining the line to cause alarm in the Wellington ranks. At last we saw signs of the full abilities of this Liskeard-Looe team. They are beginning to get into a unit capable of taking on anyone in the league with more than a good chance of a favourable result. The exciting thing is there is much more to come. Liskeard-Looe visit mid-table Falmouth tomorrow (3pm).