Lightning Talent vs Team South

Despite a long journey of 3 hours to Southampton, Loughborough Lightning Talent made a strong start, putting pressure on all areas of the court, forcing Team South to make errors, especially in the shooting circle. Lightning attack capitalised on the numerous interceptions. Rachel Sharrod held space in the shooting circle and Nina Warren made some good drives into the circle to enable a second option. The first quarter ended with Loughborough lightning talent winning the (12-6)

Second quarter lightning made changes with Sophie Holdstock moving to (C ) from (WA) and Jayde Savage moved from (C ) to (WA), the home team also made changes, every ball was evenly contested by both team, with Lightning talent just winning the quarter by 1 goal. (6-5)

At the start of the third quarter, Joy Davies came on at (WA) Hayley Brook went to (GS). It took some time for the team to settle, with a number of unforced errors by both teams as they contested for the ball in all areas of the court. Lightning defence struggled to get the ball out from the backline, and worked tirelessly to create options. The attack also found it hard to create space around the court and in the circle making it difficult to deliver the final ball into the shooters. Team South made use of their opportunities and the quarter score was (10-7) in their favour.

Loughborough knew that they had to step up their game in the final quarter as their lead was slowly being whittled away. Some players found it difficult to keep their cool, especially after some crunching collisions with their opposition players, however some crucial tips by Nicola Caunt and some improved defensive work around the circle edge, prevented Team South maintaining their momentum. Loughborough played this quarter at a slower pace than the third quarter allowing the ball to get into the shooters who capitalise on more opportunities to shoot and win the quarter 9 - 7.

The match was a highly contested game and the hardest Loughborough Lightning Talent has played in the league so far, and despite a fight back by the home team in the third quarter Lightning Talent managed to maintain their unbeaten run. There was a good deal of food for thought both positive and negative from the game to ensure the team come out stronger in the next match

Final result : Loughborough Lightning Talent 34 – Team South 28.

Loughborough Lightning Talent: Rachel Sharrod (GS) Nina Warren (GA) Sophie Holdstock (WA) Jayde Savage (C) Jessica Harland (WD) Katie Bradshaw (GD) Nicola Caunt (GK)

Bench: Joy Davies, Laura Price, Rachel Saville, Nathalie Hoon, Hayley Brook

Subs: Joy Davies (WA), Hayley Brook (GS) - 3rd quarter