Lightning vs Mavericks 10th Feb 2006

Loughborough Lightning 39 - 38 Mavericks

Title: ‘Lightning clinches close game’

Loughborough Lightning remains in third place after a thrilling 39-38 victory over Mavericks. The sell-out crowd at Loughborough University were treated to a thrilling end to end top quality match. The match was decided by a successful penalty shot taken by former international shooter Alex Astle which was scored in the final three seconds of the game.

In the first quarter Lightning found it hard to feed shooters Alex Astle and Lisa Stephenson, due to Maverick experienced England defencive combination of Janet Colbourne, Amanda Newton and Naomi Stenhouse (nee Siddal). During this quarter Jade Clarke and Olivia Murphy were in impressive form making numerous turnovers. Karen Atkinson at WA had a fantastic opening quarter against England Colleague Naomi Stenhouse both of them were battling hard against each other to win space around Lightning’s attacking circle. The first quarter saw lightning behind 7 – 9.

However it was the second quarter that saw Lightning really exerts their dominance. Hannah Reid made some top class interceptions to limit the scoring opportunities that Mavericks had. Laura Brown and Hannah Reid worked exceptionally well with having Jade Clarke as back up. Lightning’s Captain Olivia Murphy was inspirational to her team playing an excellent controlling game at centre and feeding well into the circle. Alex Astle had a fantastic quarter scoring 13 /15 (86%) this helped Lightning end the half 14 – 8 (21 – 17) Ahead.

Lightning continued to dominate in the third with some more fantastic interceptions from the defence and Centre Court. Lightning showed great strength and composure. Lisa Stephenson worked tirelessly at GA creating space and feeding some excellent balls into her shooting partner Alex Astle. Although Lightning lost the quarter they remained in front leading into the final Quarter 8 –11 (29 – 28).

In the final quarter Lightning made a change Sarah Penny replaced Hannah Reid at GK. Sarah Penny made so crucial interceptions enabling Lightning to gain a 5 goal lead. Mavericks slowly clawed back Lightning’s lead and in the last 3 seconds of the match Alex Astle was awarded a penalty pass or shot. The whole crowed went quite and all eyes were on Alex. The goal went in and the crowd erupted in cheers, Lightning had won the most exciting game.

Loughborough Lightning Squad:

GK Hannah Reid (Sarah Penny 4th Quarter), GD Laura Brown, WD Jade Clarke, C Olivia Murphy (capt), WA Karen Atkinson, GA Lisa Stephenson, GS Alex Astle. Subs: Vicky Percy, Gemma Wiseman,