Lightning vs Bath

7th March 2008

Team Bath 47 - 45 Loughboorouh Lightning

Lightning took on Bath on Saturday night in a top of the table clash in front of a packed arena. Team Bath entered the court through a haze of smoke and a vocal crowd urging them on but Loughborough Lightning were not to be phased.

Lightning were on the back foot from the start, as they threw away their first centre pass of the game. Team Bath capitalised with Rachel Dunn calmly securing the first goal. Murphy intercepted straight back from the next Team Bath centre pass and the scores were level. Lightning took their time to adapt to the physical and aerial nature of the Team Bath game and missed crucial early shots at goal. Team Bath edged the quarter 14-11.

Lightning switched both attacking and defensive circles in an effort to counter the speed of the Bath game and Team Bath moved Beckford-Chambers to GD and Francis back to GK. Francis mad an immediate impact flying for several crowd pleasing interceptions. Pam Cookey was her usual reliable self, dominating the Bath attack and consistently finding the net. Team Bath repeated their score line from the first quarter and pushed the margin to 6 at half time 28-22.

Lightning brought Kara Luck back to GD and switched Clarke and Murphy in the centre court, Hannah Reid got to grips with England’s Rachel Dunn and Lightning were able to disrupt the Team Bath rhythm. Unfortunately Lightning struggled to convert their turnovers leading to the lowest scoring quarter of the match. Lightning reduced the deficit to 5 setting up a thrilling final quarter.

Alex Kirk returned to the court for Lightning and Guthrie and Bayman switched positions for Team Bath. Bath looked confident with Cookey shooting an excellent 96%, and with a few controversial umpiring decisions, led to Bath pushing out the lead. However, Lightning did not resign themselves to and with their evident team spirit and Jade Clarkes interceptions, set up a nail biting final 5 minutes. The Crowd came alive as Lightning brought the game to within 2 goals, but time ran out and Team Bath retained their unbeaten record. Final score – 47- 45.

Olivia Murphy (Player/Coach) said “The team spirit and desire of Lightning was on display for all to see. We have a crucial week coming up, and we are now more confident of our ability to perform under pressure.”

Kara Luck – “We were really proud of our defensive effort as a team. Unfortunately we didn’t quite catch Bath in the end bout proved we can be a match for them across 4 quarters.”

Loughborough Lightning next face Brunel Hurricanes at home on Saturday 14th March at 6pm. For tickets log onto www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk