Loughborough Lightning beat reigning champs in Superleague season opener

27 October 2008

Loughborough Lightning 50 - 39 Mavericks

Loughborough Lightning beat arch rivals Mavericks 50 – 39 in front of a capacity home crowd in a thrilling Co-operative Superleague season opener (27 October).

Lightning, who were denied the CSL crown by Mavericks last season, came out fighting with an immediate turnover from Mavericks 1st centre pass. Both teams failed to find their rhythm with a few missed opportunities, which saw Lightning slip to a 5-1 deficit.

However, Lightning found their composure with some spectacular interceptions in defence and a special understanding in attack, with the quarter ending 14–10 in Lightning’s favour.

Lightning continued where they left off in the second quarter dominating Mavericks’ centre pass with GK Hannah Reid taking several key interceptions against England international Louisa Brownfield. The score ended 30-19 at the half way point.

The third quarter saw many changes from Mavericks and for Lightning new signing Alex Kirk made her debut at GA, showing great commitment and accuracy, scoring four out of five attempts. However, the visitors pulled back a little of the deficit to 38-29.

In the final quarter Lightning dominated in all areas of the court, with countless turnovers by WD Olivia Murphy. Sarah-Jane O’Sullivan coming on at WA fitted seamlessly into Lightning’s young attack and helped secured a victory of 50-39 in Lightning’s first outing of the season.

 Lightning’s new captain Jade Clarke was pleased with the win over the reigning CSL champions.

“That was tough, but I’m delighted with the win” she said. “To face Mavericks in our opening match was always going to be difficult so to come away with the win is a great achievement. We’ve had our best ever pre-season preparation and I think that was the difference today.”

Watch the match as live this Thursday (30 October) on Sky Sports 3 from 5.30pm.

Loughborough Lightning next face Celtic Dragons at home on Saturday 1 November at 6pm. For tickets log onto www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk