Lightning Talent vs. Northern Thunder Junior

Lightning took a strong team all the way up to Liverpool, ready for their second match of the season. The team line out read as follows: GS Rachel Sharrod; GA Nina Warren; WA Joy Davies; C Sophie Holdstock; WD Jessica Hartland; GD Kate Bradshaw; GK Nicola Caunt, with Rachel Saville, Nathalie Hoon, Jayde Savage, Hayley Brook and Laura Price on the bench. The team had the confidence of a win, just two weeks before, against Celtic Dragons.

The first quarter started shaky for Lightning, but they managed to pull it back, due to a tight defence, putting pressure on the opposition. Sharrod and Warren worked closely in the circle together, always knowing exactly where the other seemed to be. Lack of movement between passes meant Lightning were working harder than they should have been, but this gave them an opportunity to warm up and get involved with the game. The quarter ended Lightning at 11-7.

The second quarter saw the start of Bradshaw’s plaster fiasco, after calling time due to a scratch and bleeding on her chin. A quick swap of Jayde Savage from the bench into centre, Holdstock to WA and Joy to the bench, met that there was new energy on the court. Sharrod held strong against her opposition, thought lacking the aggression she may have needed. The accurate shots from both shooters meant that Lightning could start to pull away the score. There were a few loose balls rolling around the court, but the Lightning talent team seemed to make the most of them and turn them over for more shots. A few controversial umpiring decisions caused uproar on the bench, especially with Warren and her aggressive GD. Bradshaw and Caunt in the defending circle warmed up into the second quarter, making some spectacular interceptions that appeared to be effortless. Lightning managed to end the quarter 24-16, now 8 goals ahead.

Lightning really manage to pull away in the third quarter making the score 41-20, after Savage and Holdstock swapped positions. Bradshaw seemed to have a nightmare with her chin, being re-plastered over 3 times during the quarter, which lead to a dispute between the officials and Lightning bench. There were a few missed rebounds and Lightning seemed to loose the pressure that they had been working hard at. Holdstock gave 100% the entire quarter and seemed to be playing all over the court, supporting every single player. Thunder appeared to be losing confidence with their shooting, as Sharrod and Warren pulled away with consistency.

The final quarter saw tiredness, but the whole team managed to keep their heads up. There were good tips and good rebounds in both circles. A collision from Thunder’s GK with the post, gave Lightning another opportunity to pull away and score. The final quarter was a close 9-11, but Lightning’s huge lead gave them the score they deserved.

Player of the match was awarded to Jessica Hartland, for an exceptional performance all match at WD. Holdstock’s ability at captain was shown through her positive and motivational talks after each quarter. The team’s feedback was entirely positive and supportive of each other. The positive communication and team work showed throughout the whole match, with all circle players up for every one of the rebounds. Heads were up throughout the match, with great encouragement from the bench and travelling fans. Similarly to the Celtic Dragons match, Lightning managed to pull away in the third quarter. The final score left Lightning with another superb win at 52-28.