Lightning easily slay the Dragons
TRIUMPHANT HOMECOMING FOR REIGNING NETBALL SUPERLEAGUE CHAMPIONS AFTER COVID-HIT SEASON
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning enjoyed a triumphant homecoming with a 65-37 victory over Celtic Dragons in round three of the Vitality Netball Superleague, writes Jess Northfield.
It was the reigning champions’ first home match since 2020 after last season was disrupted by the Covid pandemic.
With their home fans cheering them on, Lightning settled quickly and gave the visitors little chance to get a foothold in the game.
With Lightning’s starting line-up featuring six senior internationals and an England U21, their experience and confidence meant they were 12 points ahead at the end of the first quarter.
Lightning continued to add points to the board, with the mid court trio of captain Nat Panagarry, Beth Cobden and Hannah Joseph sending the ball into the hands of last year’s golden shot winner Mary Cholhok whose famous lay-up style shot put the ball cleanly through the net time and time again.
Meanwhile, at the far end, Alice Harvey and Fran Williams continued to shut down the incoming ball from Dragons despite their best intentions to convert, and Lightning led 39-18 at half-time.
With such a big lead, Lightning took the opportunity to make changes, bringinging new recruit and Loughborough University student Emma Thacker into the mix with Ella Clark moving to goal shooter and Hannah Williams taking on the centre spot.
Despite the changes, the home side continued to dominate and with the addition of new signing and South African international Zan Vimbela, the side looked strong in defence.
With 15 minutes left, Lightning reeled off more changes, giving rotating mid courter Suzie Liverseidge the nod at wing attack.
After impressing last season, Liverseidge added a new dimension to Lightning’s attack against the Welsh side, injecting speed and precision at a time when energy levels were beginning to dip.
After her first ever appearance in the VNSL just seven days before, Ella Bowen also took to court at goal defence and soaked in the famous Lightning home court atmosphere as the clock ticked down.
Lightning sealed the deal as the final whistle sounded, claiming their second win of the 2022 season.
Assistant coach Olivia Murphy was grateful for the support from Lightning’s fans.
“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who turned out, these girls deserved an audience, as champions from last year and as an opportunity to celebrate with all our fans,” she said.
“We came out of the blocks flying, we wanted to show what we could bring but also be super sharp and I think we achieved that from the start.”
“We’ve built on our squad from last year, but we also have a stable attacking end which really helps.
“Getting all twelve of our squad onto court helped to keep that intensity high but they all individually contributed which is fantastic to see.”
Goalkeeper and England U21, Alice Harvey, who was named player of the match, said: “A win is a win but to do it in front of a home crowd after two years is really special and takes it to another level.
“Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us and really brought the atmosphere. It was very special.”
Lightning are back on the road for round four when they face Surrey Storm on Monday, February 21.
On Saturday, March 5 they will welcome Saracens Mavericks to Loughborough University. Tickets are on sale now.