Lightning tame the Wildcats

29 November 2008

Loughborough Lightning 64 - 41 Glasgow Wildcats

A fifth consecutive win in The Co-operative Netball Superleague for University-based Loughborough Lightning keeps the team at the top of the national table.

Saturday’s 64-41 home win against Glasgow Wildcats puts Lightning level with Bath – both teams undefeated in Britain’s top netball league this season.

The weekend’s match gave the team’s newer players a chance on court as 11 of the 12-strong squad made an appearance for Lightning. Loughborough pulled ahead in the middle quarters to forge a strong lead that helped them fend off a late comeback from the Scottish side.

With tough matches to come before Christmas against league leaders Bath and third placed Brunel Hurricanes, coach Rose Port was pleased with her players’ efforts.

“It was a good opportunity to try out new combinations,” she said. “The girls all gave solid performances and we were able to rotate the squad without any impact on our fluency on court.”

The game started goal for goal with the Wildcats holding strong against a determined Lightning defence. But after an initial run, Lightning started to intercept more Glasgow ball, and with a series of turnovers they finished the first quarter five goals up – the score 15-10.

Lightning gained momentum in the second quarter and continued to turnover the visitors’ ball. A solid defence limited Wildcats to just nine attempts at goal – converting an impressive eight of those, while Lightning’s shooters racked up the scores to increase their lead to 32-18.

Both squads made changes at half time, Lightning regulars Natasha Hampshire and Olivia Murphy coming on at wing attack and centre while captain Jade Clarke switched to wing defence. Wildcats captain Lesley Macdonald moved to goal shooter and Nicola Collins replaced her at goal attack.

Macdonald’s rhythm was upset in her new position – the Scottish international uncharacteristically missing shooting opportunities. But for Lightning, Welsh international Becky James shot 100% in this quarter and extended Lightning’s lead 49-28, also boosting her overall rate to 90% in this match.

The fourth and final quarter was a tough tussle between the teams – Lightning scoring just two more than Wildcats. However, Lightining’s 21 goal lead was insurmountable for the visitors and Glasgow’s hopes were crushed as Lightning increased their lead by the final whistle.

Lightning next face Northumbria away this Saturday (6 December) and return home on at 6pm on Saturday 13 December for the top of the table clash against Bath. For tickets or more information log onto www.loughboroughlightning.com

prestigious Championship of them all. Shown weekly on Sky Television the league is the pinnacle of Netball within England.