MATCH REPORT

4 March 2008

Win over Leeds Carnegie seals the deal

The East Midlands premier netball team, Loughborough Lightning, travelled to Leeds last Saturday (1 March) aiming for it’s 11th consecutive win this season, sealing its place in the Co-operative Netball Superleague playoffs.

After a tantalising game between the Talent teams, which saw Lightning steal a tight victory over Leeds 35 – 36, the Superleague teams took the court.

Lightning were determined to make the most of their time on court and this showed from the first whistle when they took a flurry of goals against a disconnected Leeds side. Natasha Hampshire and Lisa Stephenson penetrated down the court with each attack whilst Jo Harten controlled the shooting circle, opening up space and sneaking some spectacular passes through a confused Leeds defence. When not in possession of the ball the whole Lightning squad worked to put pressure on Leeds, often leaving them with no options and forcing errors. Loughborough’s intensity did not wane through the first period and they ended the quarter 25 – 10 up, Harten scoring 12/15 attempts and Stephenson 13/13.

Leeds came out fighting after the break having made several changes to their line up, but still only managed to net 10 goals in the quarter. However, they did manage to slow the Lightning attack somewhat, restricting the shooters to just 19 attempts. Leeds began to drive more effectively through the court and despite the defensive work of Sarah Penny, Verona Tomlin and Jade Clarke, who still managed to turn ball, Lightning began to let some unforced errors creep into their game. At half time Lightning led 41 – 20.

Leeds were bolstered by a better second quarter and looked to carry this forward in to the third period. Despite Lightning taking the first three goals, Leeds fought back, turning over the Lightning centre pass to score three consecutive goals, which were answered by a determined Lightning attack and defence. Lightning’s slightly fragmented play in this quarter enabled Leeds to take more of the ball and the quarter was drawn 14 -14.

Lightning were unhappy with their performance and there was a clear call to raise their game in the final quarter. Coach Port made more changes and Lightning started the final quarter strongly with a dominant run of four goals. Despite several errors still present, the full court defensive effort meant Lightning often regained possession before Leeds could get the ball to their attacking third. Despite Leeds scoring from two of Lightning’s centre passes in the middle of the period, the fourth quarter and the game was Lightning’s, with the final score 72 – 41 to Lightning.

Player-coach Olivia Murphy said, “We made a strong start in this game and had a strong finish but there were some disappointing lapses during the middle two quarters. However, we have done enough to keep our place at the top of the Superleague and confirm our place in the playoffs. We must still improve further if we are to achieve our aims this year.”

Lightning face Brunel Hurricanes at home this Saturday (8 March). Tickets are available in advance on the ticket hotline, Tel: 01509 226250, or through the website: www.loughboroughlightning.com or on the door (depending on availability) at the Netball Centre. At £5 a ticket for adults and £3 for concessions, the game works out as a bargain priced night out for all. The Superleague playoffs begin on March 15, where Lightning will face Northumbria, currently second place in the league. The winner of this game will then play in the Grand Final on 5 April. Other teams in the playoffs are two time champions Team Bath and last year’s runners up Mavericks.