Stylish Lightning slay the Dragons
LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING 65 CELTIC DRAGONS 51
THE second round of the 2023 Netball Superleague Season saw Lightning come up against the Celtic Dragons in their first home game of the season.
It was an aggressive start from both teams straight from the centre pass with an especially strong defensive effort from both Alice Harvey and Fran Williams for Lightning to create many turnovers in play across the court.
Lightning communicated effectively across the court to secure a 16-13 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter brought continued fierce play from both teams. Despite Dragon’s retaliation in goals, Lightning extended their lead through key interceptions from Fran Williams in the Lightning defence and clsed the half up 34-22.
In the third quarter, Lightning further asserted their tireless play and scored 19 goals in the third quarter and did not show any signs of allowing the Dragons any easy possession or opportunities. Several key decisions from the umpires during the third quarter in the attacking third saw the Dragon’s goal defence warned for dangerous play as Lightning extended their advantage to 53-33.
To start the final quarter saw a triple substitution for Lightning with Zanele Vimbela swapping for Fran Williams at goal defence, Thacker entering the court for Mary Cholhok at goal shooter and Bella Baylis was introduced onto court for her second game for Lightning in place of Odeogberin at wing defence.
Lightning relished in the changes and their game only got stronger in attack and defence. Dragon’s game had significantly increased in tempo however, as ten goals were scored within the first half of the quarter in attempt to make up the score difference as Lightning secured a 65-51 victory.