Lightning Edge Thriller
Last night Loughborough University played host to a thrilling NSL match between Lightning and Mavericks. Mavericks had a slow start to the season but since Christmas they have massively strengthened their squad and played some impressive netball. Lightning were still riding high at the top of the league at the start of the weekend and the stage was set for a titanic battle.
The game started at a frenetic pace and neither side could hold on to the ball. Defences were dominant and it took until the third minute of the game before either side scored. The entire first quarter was nip and tuck with every player battling to get an edge over their opposite number. Jo Harten was again impressive as Lightning’s shooter taking 9 from 11 chances whilst Tash Hampshire was having a fantastic game at WA up against England international, Clare Elsley. However it was Mavericks who just managed to shade the first quarter taking it 11-10.
The second quarter started where the first left off. Bodies were flying all over the places as players clashed for every lose ball and neither side could establish any sense of control. Hannah Reid was playing an outstanding game in the Lightning defence and making life very difficult for Mavericks international shooting pair of Brownfield and Wood. Amanda Newton was doing the same at the other end of the court for Mavericks and Lightning struggled to bring GA Becky James in to the game. The quarter was a tie at 11-11 so Mavericks went in at half time one goal to the good.
At half time Mavericks changed their mid-court and brought Gemma Wiseman on at WA and moved Karen Atkinson to C. Lightning also brought on Alex Wood at GS and moved Harten to GA. These were possibly the pivotal moves of the game. Jade Clarke was flying at WD for Lightning and Wiseman simply couldn’t cope with the pace of Clarke’s game whilst Wood’s presence in the attacking circle opened out more shooting opportunities for Lightning. After a couple of minutes of the quarter Clarke started to dominate her opposite number and with Wood spearheading the attack Lightning put together a six goal run. This took them from 25-23 down to 29-25 ahead, a four goal lead that would carry them through to the end of the game.
The final quarter was just as fast and furious as the first. Both teams sustained their pace and intensity right through to the final whistle and the crowd witnessed a thrilling final few minutes. Despite having a five goal lead at times Lightning still hadn’t managed to kill off Mavericks and were only three ahead with about 2 minutes to go. A turnover and then a successful Mavericks centre pass reduced the lead to just one but Lightning kept their noses in front with both sides exchanging goals. With 60 seconds on the clock another turnover gifted Mavericks possession and a chance to level and then possibly win the game. Lighting threw everything at Mavericks and won the ball back only to give it away again with less than 30 seconds remaining. However the Lightning defence stood firm for a second time turning over Mavericks ball and working their way down court to win a penalty shot in the last second. Harten converted and Lightning had won 43-41 to make sure they stay top of NSL.
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