They often say when you’re losing games that luck is even harder to come by than victories, and those in attendance at the Loughborough University Netball Centre on Saturday will perhaps now appreciate this statement, as Loughborough Lightning, despite periods of brilliance, were unable to overcome Hertfordshire Mavericks in their latest Fiat Superleague fixture, falling to a disappointing 65-34 defeat.

Contrary to what the scoreline suggested, it was by no means a whitewash, as Lightning, showed that their position at the foot of the league table was not truly reflective of their performances. And this view was echoed by coach Olivia Murphy, who, despite pointing out her side’s need to improve, was keen to recognise their progression from last weeks’ defeat to Bath.

“There were definitely more positives to take out of today’s game”, she stated.

“Unfortunately, however the score-line didn’t reflect this and there are still plenty of improvements to be made.”

Despite Monday’s defeat to Team Bath, Murphy made just the one change to her side, with youngster Jordan Moxey replacing Michaela MacFarlane at wing attack. Mavericks, in a similar fashion to previous visitors Team Bath, boasted a strong attack with the experienced Sasha Corbin starting in the centre court. There was also a return for ex Lightning fans’ favourite Tulissa Haynes on the visitors’ bench.

The opening quarter of the match typified Lighting’s play this season – the good, the bad and the frustrating, as they started the quarter with energy and exuberance, but once again nerves came into play, allowing Mavericks to punish and convert.

An early overturned centre suggested that perhaps this could be Lightning’s day, and the sell out crowd were soon on their feet willing their side on. However, Mavericks, hot from victory over Team Northumbria, were just as up for the fight, and they soon overturned the following centre to draw the scores level.

As the game progressed, Lightning at times controlled possession, using the defensive support of Nicola Caunt and Jodie Gibson well, however Mavericks’ defence was equally as hot, and soon thwarted Lightning’s ideas to get into their attacking circle. And as we have seen many times this season, they soon capitalized on Lightning’s hesitance, their turnovers being converted as Corbin’s pinpoint feeds found their on-fire shooters.

An injury time break from Sophia Candappa could not have come at a better time for Lightning, as it provided them with the opportunity to regroup. However despite an improvement upon the restart, Mavericks still saw out the quarter 16-8 up.

The second quarter appeared to be much of the same with an early turnover from Mavericks’ Josie Huckle signaling the visitors’ intent. Again as Lightning attempted to break forward, they struggled to find their shooters, and despite some good play on the circle edge from Moxey, they often looked to be lacking ideas.

As Mavericks piled on the pressure, Lightning were forced to try their luck from distance; fortunately Becky James was reliable as ever, converting shots that in reality she had no right to make. Half time score 31-16 to Mavericks.

Whilst the visitors rung the changes at half time, Lightning opted for the soul change, introducing Afrika Morris at Forbes-Wattley at goal keeper. And as the opening few moments of the third quarter began frantically, there was a suggestion that perhaps Lightning could capitalize and take the game to the opposition. However despite moving Caunt back to double up on the impressive Vicklyn Joseph at goal shooter, the height difference proved too much and Mavericks soon found their feet.

Lightning too clearly realized the need to inject height into their own shooting circle, as a time out saw the introduction of Lianne Badmin, with Mason moving to the bench. Despite injecting a new lease of life into purples, the Mavericks defence were taking no prisoners and by the end of the quarter, the game was all but out of sight with Mavericks leading 49-20.

Going into the final quarter, Murphy decided to switch Candappa and Moxey around, in the attempt to show more assertiveness in attack. And it appeared to pay off, as this was arguably Lightning’s most impressive quarter, as they almost doubled their tally of goals for the whole match.

Despite continued commanding defensive work from Mavericks, in a similar fashion to their opponents, Lightning began to make the long ball into Badmin work. A culmination of this, as well as upping their tempo across the court ensured that, although it may not have been enough to give Mavericks a fright about the result, it was enough to ensure the fans left the netball centre feeling more upbeat.

As Lightning continued their resurgence, the final whistle blew with the score reading 65-34 to Hertfordshire Mavericks.

Despite being relieved at her sides’ improvements, Murphy was honest about her side’s need to improve.

“We got ourselves into good positions today but again we failed to capitalize on our opportunities.

As a newly retired coach, the former England captain’s desire to see her side improve was evident, as she explained, “I am desperate to see a reduction in the number of errors made by our team because these are allowing opposition teams to make significant runs on us and taking us out of the game.”

“Defensively we didn’t deal well enough with Mavericks shooters, and that’s something we have to work on in preparation for our away fixture against Yorkshire Jets on Friday.”

As phase one of the newly organized Fiat Superleague draws to a close this weekend, Loughborough Lightning urges fans to check their website (www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk) on 3rd March for an announcement regarding the upcoming fixtures in phase two.

Loughborough Lightning

GS- Becky James (Capt), GA- Olivia Mason, WA- Jordan Moxey, C- Sophia Candappa, WD- Jodie Gibson, GD- Nicola Caunt, GK- Jade Forbes- Wattley

Subs: Lianne Badmin, Michaella McFarlane, Jenny Montgomery, Alex Sinclair, Afrika Morris

By Kelly Somers

Match report and reaction to follow shortly.

It may have been the evening before Valentine’s day, but as the Sky cameras visited the Sir David Wallace Sports Centre on Monday 13th February, Team Bath showed hosts Loughborough Lightning that there was no love lost between the two Fiat Superleague rivals, as they dumped the hosts 51-36.

It was a game hotly anticipated in the East Midlands, as not only were the bright lights of Sky in town, but Lightning were also looking to get back to winning ways following two disappointing defeats. Opponents Team Bath also had a point to prove as not only had they lost out by the solitary goal to Lightning in the same fixture last season, but they were also yet to record a victory in the Superleague this year.

Coach Olivia Murphy clearly felt the need to ring the changes as her side looked to get back to winning ways. For once the former England playmaker had the luxury of a fully fit squad at her disposal – she will have undoubtedly been delighted that England youngster Sophia Candappa was once again available for selection. As a result the teen started at centre, with fellow student Jade Forbes-Wattley being preferred at goal keeper and Olivia Mason at goal attack.

As the game got underway, the on-court action appeared to mirror the electric atmosphere off court, as both teams battled hard to create an incredibly hotly contested opening – after just five minutes it seemed almost uncomprehendable that the score was still just 2-2.

There was an ongoing intense battle of both defences as Lightning’s young duo of Nicola Caunt and Forbes Wattley worked tirelessly to keep Bath’s international shooting partnership of Kadeen Corbin and Asha Francis at bay. And this appeared to transfer to the centre court as Candappa engaged in an enthralling contest with opposite number Mia Ritchie, with Jodie Gibson also working hard to pick off Bath’s attacks; both sides appeared to be struggling to get it beyond the midcourt and into to their attacking circles.

With the scores locked however, Bath, who had already shown glimpses of the ability to perform the spectacular, started to get a foothold. Corbin, who later deservedly received the player of the match accolade, grew into the game, finding space and punishing Lightning with a selection of impressive shots, helping her side create a five goal margin.

Despite these periods of brilliance however, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the visitors, as Lightning staged a late comeback; the quarter culminating in a long range shot from the ever-reliable Becky James to take the purples into the break just the one goal down. Quarter time score 8-9.

Bath were clearly rattled by Lightning’s spirited comeback, and resultantly opted to change things in attack, introducing Amanda Trounce at wing attack and swapping their two shooters around. And it wasn’t long until they soon reaped the rewards as numerous fluid attacks, combined with the use of newcomer Trounce’s pace enabled them to put short sharp passes into the circle and the on fire Corbin was only too willing to convert.

Again though, as they have done on so many occasions, Lightning showed the spirit and determination which has characterized their campaign so far, and as the crowd roared them on, they began to resist Bath’s waves of attack and create openings of their own.

Nicola Caunt, who once again this season has shown why she is so highly rated in the Lightning ranks, commanded the defence and began to draw the ball away from the Bath shooters and assist Lightning in bringing the ball through the court. At the other end of the court, as Mason started to assert her influence on the game, once again Lightning clawed their way back; at one point the gap reduced to just two.

However there is a reason Team Bath have won the Superleague six out of eight times, showing class and composure when in possession, and as a result their lead was extended to 26-14 at the end of the half.

Realizing the game was not beyond her side, Murphy, who had been vocal on the sidelines throughout, made numerous changes as her side attempted to thwart Bath’s progression and build on the bright play they had at times produced. Lianne Badmin was introduced to provide a focal point in attack, as Jordan Moxey donned the wing attack bib. Afrika Morris also came on at goal keeper.

The changes appeared to pay off in spells for the hosts, as they showed fluidity when moving the ball out of defence. However nerves also appeared evident, and often upon arriving at the edge of their attacking circle, they looked nervy and unsure when implementing the final ball.

Bath, on the other hand, appeared buoyed by the lead they had so far created, and took no prisoners when in possession. As a result, by the end of the third quarter, the game already appeared out of Lightning’s reach, with Bath’s lead reading 41-23.

Despite a series of changes from both coaches going into the final quarter, the changes in personnel however did little to halt the progression of the team in blue and yellow, as they were once again clinical when in possession, with the speed of the shooters proving difficult for Lightning to deal with.

A time out for Loughborough as Caunt went down injured with three minutes remaining, provided them with a brief opportunity to regroup as they looked to gain inroads and minimize the deficit.

However despite a valiant effort, it all proved to little too late, as the final whistle blew with the score 51-36 to Team Bath.

Coach Olivia Murphy appeared understandably disappointed at the manner in which her team had fallen to defeat despite such a close opening quarter.

“I was very pleased with the way we started the game today, and this momentum enabled us to carry on our good start into the second quarter”, she explained.

“However, again, unforced errors creeped into the game and once again cost us.

“Despite working hard to gain plenty of turnovers, we really struggled to get the ball into the attacking circle.”

She was also quick to praise the impressive crowd who turned out to support her side in front of the cameras.

“It was disappointing today not to show what we know we can do, especially as we had such a magnificent turn out from our ever loyal fans, and with the presence of the television cameras.

“We now have to build on this and will train hard as we go into Saturday’s home game against Mavericks, where we hope to see as many fans willing us on.”

For tickets for Saturday’s 6pm game v Mavericks in the netball centre, please visit www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk. Once again, as the past two games in the Netball Centre have been sell outs, we advise fans to buy their tickets in advance, and we thank the fans for their continued excellent support.

By Kelly Somers

Match report and reaction to follow shortly.

We caught Head Coach Liv Murphy in a reflective mood to talk Team Bath:

‘Saturday was a tough loss, we started so slowly it was an uphill battle all the way – the team know we can’t afford to hand over such a headstart to any team in this league because as Storm showed they will punish you’.

‘The loss of Sophia (Candappa) to injury was a blow -we expect her fit again for Monday. She trained last night so we are managing her day to day’.

‘Jodie Gibson is also back to full fitness which is a boost, and Afrika (Morris) will be available for this match, so we are in a better position than last week.’

‘Bath are without a win so far, so we know they will be up for it, and we have to raise our game if we want to compete with the top teams. Bath v Loughborough is always well contested, and we are looking forward to the challenge.’

The match takes place in the David Wallace Sports Hall, doors open from 7pm for an 8pm start.

Tickets are available online.

As the temperatures dropped in the Midlands on Saturday, fans flocked to the Loughborough University Netball Centre to witness Loughborough Lightning face Northern Thunder in their third match of the 2012 Fiat Superleague season. It was, however, Thunder who turned the temperature up – an electrifying start saw them race to an eight goal lead in as many minutes, and resultantly sink Lightning 66-34 come the final whistle.

Following a disappointing defeat away at Surrey Storm last week, coach Olivia Murphy stated that her side needed to respond quickly and learn from their mistakes. However, in reality Lightning were never really given the chance, the coach herself recognizing that Thunder’s storming start ensured this.

“The game was already beyond us after the first ten minutes”, she explained.

“We started really slowly, Thunder took advantage and we were on the back foot straight away.”

This impressive start from Thunder ensured that before the sell out crowd had barely time to warm up from the icy temperatures outside, they already had an 8-0 lead. Prolific shooter Karen Grieg was on fire, and the Lightning defence struggled to contain the link up play between her and Janelle Lawson. Lightning, in Murphy’s own words appeared “shell shocked”.

Despite often passing the ball at pace through the attack, the Thunder defence read Lightning’s movement well, picking off Lucy Adams and Michaela MacFarlane’s feeds into the circle on numerous occasions. Lightning’s only real period of hope came towards the end of the quarter, with ever reliable shooting stalwart Becky James ensuring Thunder did not go in at the break completely out of sight.

The offset of the second quarter however saw Thunder start in much the same manner as they had the first, as they continued to dominate. However, if one compliment must be played to the young Lightning side, it is that they are full of character; rarely laying down and accepting defeat, and it was in the final moments of the quarter that this was most evident.

Murphy’s quarter time changes of introducing Olivia Mason at goal attack, allowing James to focus on her shooting at goal shooter ensured Lightning’s conversion rate increased, and for the first time in the game there was space in the Lightning attack. Their movement combined with precision ensured Lightning reignited the possibility that perhaps the a remarkable comeback was in fact a possibility. James dominated the Thunder defensive circle, forcing them into fouls and as a result, Lightning actually won their first quarter of the game. However, due to the previously created deficit, the scoreboard still did not make for particularly appealing reading, with Lightning trailing 29-18.

Thunder were clearly worried about the desire Lightning had shown to get back into the game in the closing stages of the first half, as they replaced previously impressive shooter Karen Greig with Kathryn Turner. And this appeared to play a crucial part in the away side once again finding their early form, as accurate feeding and an impressive 100% conversion rate ensured that Thunder all but secured their victory going into the final quarter. Lightning themselves, again, continued to fight valiantly, however when in the final third, they appeared to lack the killer instinct their opponents had on so many occasions.

It was going to take a miracle for Lightning to get back into the game in the final quarter – a miracle that this time they were unable to produce, however this did not mean that the youngsters were willing to let their pride go too. A spell of late pressure, aided by the ever vocal support of their loyal crowd, ensured that Thunder were forced to sweat for their victory in the dying moments, however in reality it was still a relatively comfortable away trip for the visitors. Final score Loughborough Lightning 34–66 Northern Thunder.

Coach Olivia Murphy was dammingly honest in her post match analysis.

“I am genuinely very disappointed with the score line”, the former centre court maestro admitted.

“We can’t afford to start as slowly as we did, against any teams, especially the big teams.

“We have to learn quickly how to eradicate the unforced errors so we don’t put ourselves out of the game after the first 15 minutes.”

And as Lightning now look forward to the arrival of the Sky cameras for the eagerly anticipated game v Bath next Monday (13th February – 8pm), coach Murphy explained that the result would in fact spur them on.

“We have plenty to work on before we face Bath in front of the Sky cameras on Monday”, she explained.

“We need to re-find the form we showed glimpses of in our opening match to ensure we fulfill the potential we know we have.”

For tickets or more information about the Bath game next week, please visit www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk – but following two sell out crowds, hurry tickets are selling fast.

Northern Thunder:
GS – Karen Greig, GA – Janelle Lawson, WA – Rachel Henry, C – Laura Malcom, WD – Sara Bayman, GD – Emma Dovey, GK – Kerry Ann Almond. Bench: Beth Cordon, Kathryn Turner, Krista Enziano, Maria McAndrew, Eleanor Caldwell

Loughborough Lightning:
GS – Lianne Badmin, GA – Becky James, WA – Michaella McFarlane, C – Lucy Adams, WD – Jenny Montgomery, GD – Nicola Caunt, GK – Jades Forbes-Wattley. Bench: Olivia Mason, Jordan Moxley, Alex Sinclair, Jodie Gibson, Lauren Steadman

By Kelly Somers

Thunder remain undefeated so far this season.

Full report and reaction to follow.

These will be available on a first come first served basis, from 3pm when doors open.

Schedule:

3pm Doors open

4pm NTL Match Lightning v Northern Thunder Development

6pm Fiat Netball Superleague, Lightning v Northern Thunder

PLEASE NOTE NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR.

If you are planning on attending the Lightning v Team Bath match on Monday 13th February, please ensure you get your orders in early to avoid disappointment!

If you want to bring a group of 10 or more call Ticketline on 0844 888 9991, otherwise you can book online as normal.

Lightning will be looking to bounce back after their defeat at the hands of league leaders Surrey Storm on Saturday.

There is every chance that all tickets will be sold in advance of the match, so to avoid disappointment on the door we advise purchasing your ticket online in advance.