Lightning win on Tyneside to take Top Spot

Team Northumbria 22 - 39 Lightning

26th January 2008

Gateshead Leisure Centre

After being quizzed by the quizmasters on the bus, ‘Lightning Talent’ were pumped and full of adrenaline.

First quarter the talent knew that after watching the senior’s feisty tight match against Team Northumbria, they were all up for the challenge. Shooters Nina Warren (Vice Capt) and Rachel Sharrod kept their cool scoring one after the other despite their defenders putting pressure on them in the circle, the combination of Joy Davies and Laura Price had their work cut out delivering the passes to the circle with tall defenders, they used varying passes to ensure the shooters received the ball ending the quarter 13-6 Loughborough

No changes were made in the second quarter, the defence of Nicola Caunt, Katie Bradshaw and Nia Campbell-Watson (making her debut) continued to be the driving force, with tips, inceptions and forcing their opponents to make errors seen Loughborough Talent increasing their lead 21-10

After an inspiring talk given by Sophie Holdstock (injured Capt) the team returned to the courts to start the third quarter with Rachel Saville (WD), Nathalie Hoon (GS) and Jayde Savage (C) the team adjusted well to the changes with fresh legs on court, Rachel and Jayde continuing to disrupt northumbria rhythm, and Nathalie converting the shots, their spirits were high ending the quarter 33-16

Making her debut in the fourth quarter young Coutney Neilson came on as wing attack and Hayley Brook (GA) both very nervous, the team helped them to settle along with the bench shouting some key words ‘steady’ ‘breath’ as Lightning Talent continued to forge a head, final score 39-22

 Lighting: R. Sharrod (GS) N.Warren (GA) L. Price (WA) J. Davies (C) N. Campbell-Watson (WD) K Bradshaw (GD) N Caunt (GK)

Subs: 3rd Quarter - N.Hoon (GS) R.Saville (WD) J. Savage (C)

4th Quarter – H. Brook (GA) C. Neilson (WA)