Loughborough Lightning extend winning streak
LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING 68 SARACENS MAVERICKS 60 National Superleague
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning secured an eight point win over Saracens Mavericks with another player of the match display Mary Cholhok.
With the first centre pass in the hands of Mavericks, the game began with both teams going goal-for-goal before Lightning began to pull ahead. Lightning’s lead came from an interception from Harvey in the defending circle. As they grew more confident, Joseph and Dixon expertly worked the circle to deliver the ball to Cholhok under the post as Lightning closed the quarter 16-15 ahead.
The second quarter was another close affair but Lightning extended their lead to six to lead 36-30 as they entered the third quarter.
Quarter three started with a quick point for Lightning. Cobden showcased her defending skills with effective marking which helped to eliminate some options for Mavericks.
As Lightning’s lead starting to grow, the Mavericks side applied a lot of pressure to the home team in order to keep a slim score line and it was 54-47 as the third
quarter ended.
The final quarter opened with a fast three points for Mavericks as they put their best foot forward. But it wasn’t long before Lightning bounced back with three back-toback points of their own. A smooth backline pass from Dixon led to a conversion from Cholhok. Both
teams then battled fiercely for the next point, the ball spending a lot of time in the centre third before ultimately going to Lightning as Loughborough held on to claim a 68-60 victory.
Afterwards Lightning head coach Vic Burgess said: “For us it was just about playing smart,
there were extra balls, extra phases to the circle edge. We were smart with the ball and looking where we can move it and using triangles. Whilst it wasn’t perfect, I still think we played great.”
Lightning will face Leeds Rhinos in round 11 of the NSL on Sunday (April 28).