Lightning back to top form

11th January 2009

Loughborough Lightning 64 - 34 Northern Thunder

Lightning bounced back from a disappointing team performance against Celtic Dragons on Thursday with a much improved and far more polished display defeating Northern Thunder by a 30 goal margin.

The first quarter saw Northern thunder shooters Charlotte Beenham and Karen Greig hit form and capitalise on Lightning errors in the attack end. Not to be outdone Joanne Harten was finding movement and shooting rhythm and was combining well with Sarah Jane O’Sullivan at WA. The quarter was a tight affair, but Lightning edged it 14-11.

Lisa Stephenson entered the court, out of retirement, at GA for Lightning in the second quarter replacing Katy Rose. Lightning attack end moved up a gear and allowed the ball to flow more freely. Defensive pressure from Lightning specifically at the Thunder centre pass starved Greig and Beenham of the ball enabling Lightning to gain a 34-22 lead at half time.

Changes from both sides going into the third quarter saw Thunder try to close the gap and Lightning again wanting to change the attacking line up. This lead to a scrappy opening to the quarter, but Lightning again found their form. Full court defensive pressure and some excellent shooting from Stephenson and the confident Harten forced the pace. Fast, free flowing netball from Lighting ensured there was no way back for Thunder as they opened up a 20 goal margin.

Final quarter Thunder brought on the towering figure of Kirsita Enziano at GS with Greig moving out to GA. This only served to inspire Kara Luck at GD and Hannah Reid at GK for Lightning as they gained numerous interceptions and with shooting averages at 91% Lightning came out convincing 68-38 winners.

Quarter Scores: Q1: 14-11, Q2: 20-11, Q3: 17-9, Q4: 17-7

Progressive Score: 14-11, 34-22 , 51-31 , 68-38