Lightning lose but still in the hunt

23rd March 2008

Team Bath 62-55 Loughborough Lightning

Quarter Scores Progressive Score

Q1: 15-14, 15-14

Q2: 16-14, 31-28

Q3: 13-14 44-42

Q4: 18-13, 62-55

The match opened with a strong start from Lightning capitalising on Hampshire’s’ speed and accurate shooting from Harten.

Bath attempted to nudge the lead but each time they scored Lightning answered, resulting in first quarter score of 15-14.

The second quarter saw Bath switch Bayman and Guthrie to C & WD respectively and Lightning replacing Bliss with Luck at GD. Lightning continued to turn the ball over at the offer support on the attacking third line, enabling Hampshire & Clarke to reach the circle edge to make the feeds. An uncompromising Bath defence forced Harten & Kirk to maintain composure to continue to put the ball through the net.

Guthrie and Bayman worked hard to disrupt Lightning’s feeds into the circle but Lightning remained focused and never allowed Bath to run away with the lead finishing 31-28 at half time.

In the third quarter Murphy and Clarke switched for Lightning and Bliss came back on at GD. Bath Switched Bayman & Guthrie, and Francis & Beckford-Chambers, Some delightful netball was played by both teams, Binns worked hard in the attacking third with Cookey to keep the Lightning defence busy However the Lightning shooters converted their shots efficiently withstanding a physical circle defence to end the 3rd quarter 44-42.

Sadly Lightning couldn’t quite maintain their intensity in the final quarter. A few unforced errors cost Lightning deer with Bath capitalising on turnovers. Lightning re-grouped half way through the quarter and started to match Bath again, competing for every ball. However, the damage had been done and Lightning couldn’t get back on terms. The match ended 62-55 to Bath and sent them straight though to the Grand Final.

Lightning will look back on the game with a mixture of frustration and satisfaction. Frustrated because of the result and a small period of play where they lost form. Satisfied because they competed superbly for most of the game and played some outstanding netball.

Loughborough Lightning now have to re-group for a critical second play-off game against Mavericks at home on Saturday 28th March at 6pm. For tickets log onto www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk