Win over Mavericks Secures 2nd Place

12th March 2008

Mavericks 36 - 43 Loughboorouh Lightning

Lightning’s hectic schedule continued with a tough away trip to Mavericks – their conquerors in last year’s grand final.

Lightning took a few minutes to settle as a strong, physical Mavericks defensive circle set the tone for the game, taking an early 4-1 lead. Thanks to errors by Mavericks centre court and clinical finishing by Jo Harten, Lightning were able to put together a 9 goal run. This silenced the crowd and patient work from Jade Clarke and Natasha Hampshire kept control for Lightning. A convincing first quarter saw Lightning leading 14-7.

The second quarter saw Kara Luck replaced by Emma Bliss at GD. This proved to be a seamless change as Lightning continued to force home their advantage. Hampshire and Kirk were finding space and time in attack and Reid and Bliss were shutting down Mavericks shooters – limiting them to only 7 shots for the quarter. Naida Hutchinson was trying to keep Lightning at bay but couldn’t prevent Lightning taking a commanding 26-12 half time lead.

Ella Clarke came on for Mavericks at GA enabling England’s Louisa Brownfield to move back to her usual position at GS. This proved a good move for Mavericks, as the extra height in the shooting circle caused problems for the Lightning defence. Mavericks slowly found their way into the game and full court pressure began to take its toll on the Lightning attacking end. Mavericks edged the quarter 12-11.

Anyone thinking Lightning had the game won was in for a thrilling final quarter. Mavericks moved Atkinson to C and Wiseman entered the game at WA. Mavericks kept the Lightning attack away from the edge of the circle and forced Harten and Kirk to take long shots. This proved to be lightning’s downfall as Naida Hutchinson kept providing balls for the Mavericks attack from both turnovers and rebounds – and they clawed Lightning’s lead back to 4. Lightning showed their newfound resilience and dug deep to retake the momentum and close out the game. Lightning took the game 43-36, but have plenty to work on if they want to win CNSL this year.

Player/Coach Olivia Murphy said – “We have to learn to keep doing what we do well, moving the ball and creating options in attack. Defensively again we turned over a lot of ball, which we can be pleased with”.

Hannah Reid – “We did well to restrict them to 36 goals throughout the game, but know we have to step up our efforts for the play-offs”.

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