Lightning vs Team Bath

13th December 2008

Loughborough Lightning 48 - 59 Team Bath

TeamBath have successfully won the top of the table clash against Loughborough Lightning 48-59, to remain leaders of The Co-operative Netball Superleague 08-09 in Loughborough tonight.

Both teams came out strong from the outset. Those sitting in the crowd witnessed the fighting spirit from both teams. A strong will to win was clearly the player mindset in this extremely competitive match of the round. After the first 15 minutes of play the score was 11-16 to TeamBath.

Only one change was made going into the second quarter, TeamBath brought on Gemma Fletcher at GD. A 3 goal lead made in the first quarter was extended to a 7 goal lead from TeamBath by half time.

At the break TeamBath re-shuffled their shooters and mid-court and Loughborough introduced Alex Kirk to the game at GA. The re-shuffle from Bath proved to be a rough exchange as TeamBath going down this quarter, Loughborough pulling back 3 goals to be within 4 goals of the lead.

In the final quarter the new TeamBath combination found their feet and went on to stamp their authority on the game, winning by 11 goals 48-59.

TeamBath were all smiles at the full-time whistle. Captain Pamela Cookey said ‘It was a tough competitive match as we expected and were very pleased with the win.’

TeamBath Coach Jess Garland said ‘I’m very pleased with our start. Loughborough applied the pressure as expected in the middle of the game. But I’m very pleased with our biggest win in the away fixture (against Loughborough).

Olivia Murphy, Loughborough Lightning Captain wasn’t overly disappointed in the loss tonight. She said ‘We performed really well; we gave them a bit of a scare and can be pleased. There was a point in the 3rd quarter when we pulled back within 1 or 2 goals and missed the chance to equalize and take them.

‘It was a tough match and the 11 goal win is flattering to TeamBath. We are looking over our shoulder into the rest of the season and preparing for a tough match against Brunel next week.’ Said Murphy.