Lightning clinch first win of the season against Wasps
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning claimed their first win of the 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague on Monday night with a nail-biting 44-43 victory over Midlands rivals, Wasps Netball.
No stranger to close encounters, these two sides have become famous in the netball world for producing ‘down to the wire’ matches that could swing in either side’s favour.
Having pipped them to the title in two consecutive years, Lightning’s clash with Wasps has always been faced with a playful vengeance and has now been nicknamed ‘The Battle of the Midlands’.
Taking to court for the second time in as many days, an unchanged Lightning side were eager to correct their previous mistakes from their Sunday afternoon defeat to 2019 runners up, Team Bath.
Both sides shot off the mark quickly on the first whistle, eager to claim the opening points and take an early lead. However, with each centre pass, it was clear neither side wanted to be the first to make a mistake and open up an opportunity for the opposition to capitalise.
Using the circle edge to provide support, Lightning’s attack kept the ball safe and created opportunity to land the ball safely in Cholhok’s hands, perfectly under the net. Facing both Wasps defenders, Cholhok remained calm, as the pressure mounted.
Ending the first quarter behind by two points, Lightning regrouped and returned to court focussed and ready to push on and by the end of the second quarter the match was finely balanced with Wasps holding a slender one point lead at 23-22.
In the third quarter Lightning stepped out and pushed on, treating fans to strong through court play before sending the ball into their pillar of strength in Cholhok. Despite it being only her second outing in the Superleague, Liverseidge showed no signs of nerves, continuing to take shots at goal and provide support for her partner. Panagarry’s speed in releasing the centre pass kept Wasps on their toes, however their increased physicality in defence kept the opposition ahead by 33-32 going into the final quarter.
With just 12 minutes left on the clock, both sides had all to play for in the final quarter. Moving May to the goalkeeper position, Head Coach Sara Bayman used the depth in her squad to exert dominance and keep the opposition questioning.
With Parize adding a new dimension to the shooting circle, Wasps needed to adjust to the new style of play, whilst an unphased Lightning used the opportunity to push on.
As the clock ran down, the noise increased as both sides fought hard to keep the ball safe and minimise mistakes. The buzzer sounded in favour of Lightning who with just a one goal lead, took their first win of 2021 and celebrated in style.
After bouncing back from a disappointing defeat in round one, Head Coach Sara Bayman commented on the importance of such wins for her side.
“I always knew we were in the game, with three minutes to go, even though we were down but these Wasps games, there’s just something about them.
“It was big for us today, after starting with a loss yesterday and with Mavericks coming up next week, we got a tough run of fixtures and so needed some points on the board. You saw how hard our girls fought for it today and it’s so pleasing to see that we can come from a losing position to nick a win like that. It stands us in good stead for the battle that’s ahead.”
Lightning are back in action for round three of the Vitality Netball Superleague next weekend when they face Saracens Mavericks on Sunday (February 21) at 2pm.
You can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Youtube channel.