Lightning win on their first return to town since 2020
Action from Loughborough Lightning’s win over Celtic Dragons. Pictures by Ben Lumley.
LOUUGHBOROUGH
LIGHTNING 65 CELTIC DRAGONS 37 LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning returned home for the first time since 2020 on Saturday night, securing a resounding 65 - 37 victory over visitors Celtic Dragons in round three of the Vitality Netball Superleague.
With the comfort of their home court and the Lightning family’s cheers ringing loud in their ears, the 2021 VNSL Champions settled quickly into the match, leaving little time for the visitors to claim any dominance over the game.
With the starting line-up featuring six senior internationals and an England U21, Lightning’s depth, experience and confidence played easily into their hands and they finished the opening quarter ahead by 12.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Lightning shook off
Dragons increasing physicality, remained calm and continued to add points to the board. The mid court trio of Panagarry, Cobden and Joseph sent the ball sailing through court at ‘’lightning speed into the waiting 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 as Lightning led at half time 39-18.
Heading into the second half with a whopping lead of 21, Lightning used the opportunity to change up their bench, bringing 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 made, the side continued to dominate through court and with the addition of new signing and South African international Zan Vimbela in the defensive unit, the side went from strength to strength to lead
54-29.
In the final quarter Lightning reeled off yet more changes as they eased to a commanding 65-37 win.
Lightning’s return home was momentous not only for the score line but their victory signified the first time a crowd has witnessed live netball since 2020 on campus.
Assistant
Coach Olivia Murphy was nothing but grateful for Lightning’s ongoing support;
“A massive thank you to everyone who turned out today, these girls deserved an audience, as champions from last year and as an opportunity to celebrate with all our fans. We came out of the blocks flying tonight, 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 tonight helped to keep that intensity high but they all individually contributed which is fantastic to see.”