Lightning stars find their spark

NEITHER fatigue nor jet lag bothered the Sunshine Coast Lightning as they ended Super Netball’s World Cup hiatus with victory over the Queensland Firebirds in Brisbane.

A second-half fightback from the winless but certainly brave hosts fell agonisingly short as the two-time defending champions banked a 66-64 victory at the Queensland Netball Centre.

Nine players were on after World Cup action in England less than a week ago and showed no ill effects before Firebirds captain Gabi Simpson’s 100th top-level game ended in disappointment.

Silver Ferns veteran and Lightning captain Laura Langman had no World Cup hangover in the opening quarter as the title contenders assumed early control.

Fresh from a relaxed recovery on the Sunshine Coast, midcourt general Langman and Australian international Steph Wood (26/29) combined for shooter Cara Koenen as the Lightning led 36-29 at halftime.