Loughborough Lightning v Celtic Dragons
Following a promising but disappointing loss against Mavericks last Saturday, Lightning were keen to record their first win of the Co-Operative Superleague Season against Celtic Dragons on Saturday 6th February. It was the first game Lightning had hosted at the Walsall Campus, University of Wolverhampton, and was played in front of a sell out crowd of 400 fans. And fans were not disappointed as they witness two enthralling games in the build up to the main event, which saw Lightning NTL lose out by one goal to Mavericks NTL and West Midlands NTL beat Celtic Dragons.
Lightning started the game having only made some slight changes from last week’s team against Mavericks, with Katy Rose making her first start for Lightning at centre and Alex Kirk moving to wing attack to allow Becky James to come in at goal attack. Jo Harten again started at goal shooter, although there were doubts surrounding her, as she had been bed ridden all week.
Lightning started the game strongly with Layla Guscoth again making her presence felt in the defensive circle, making some crucial interceptions. England star Jo Harten again shone through, in a quarter which saw Dragons having more attempts than Lightning, with her shooting accuracy of 90% ensuring Lightning went in at quarter time 11-6 up.
Lightning named an unchanged side for the second quarter, however Dragons clearly felt the need to reshuffle in order to cope with the height and accuracy of Lightning’s in form Harten. Neal was the pick of the players for Dragons, as the Australian’s physical presence caused Lightning’s some problems due to her power and accuracy on the ball. However, Lightning’s link up play in centre court was particularly impressive this quarter, with Katy Rose and Alex Kirk working tirelessly to bring the ball forward from defence into attack- something of which Lightning had struggled with in their previous game against Mavericks. At the end of the second quarter, Lightning held out the lead, going in 22-15 up.
Coach Olivia Murphy made her first changes of the game at the start of the third quarter, moving Harten out to goal attack, bringing Leanne Badmin on at goal shooter to add height into the Lightning attacking circle. Rose also made way for Maesago Motuang, who came on at centre. Dragons also made numerous changes, as they attempted to break down Lightning’s lead. Again Dragons’ Neal caused Lightning problems, as she linked up well with Drane in centre court, but good Lightning pressure meant Dragons were unable to capitalise on this. However, thanks to Thomas’ 100% shooting for the third quarter in a row, Celtic Dragons won the quarter 9-8, reducing Lightning’s lead to 30-24.
The start of the final quarter saw Harten taken off, as her illness finally became too much for her. This saw Michelle MacFarlane make her Lightning debut at wing attack, with Alex Kirk moving into the shooting circle at goal attack. The attack started well with accurate shooting from both Lightning shooters, and powerful movement from debutant McFarlane. However it proved to be a tense culmination to the game, as Dragons piled on the pressure, reducing Lightning’s lead to only two goals with three minutes to go. However, thanks to two crucial turnovers in the last passage of play, from Kara Luck at wing defence and Guscoth at goal keeper, Lightning held out to win the game 37-34.
Lightning showed heart and control in the final moments of the game, withstanding the pressure a determined Dragons side put upon them, to gain their first well deserved victory of the season. In particular, both Layla Guscoth and Alex Kirk produced solid, match winning performances. Coach Olivia Murphy was clearly delighted with the result, “It was really good to finally get our first victory as the girls have been working so hard in training. It was also fantastic to see so many fans turn out to our first game in Walsall.”
Lightning will be looking to build on their success in their next home game, at the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall, Loughborough University on Monday 15th February at 7.30pm. For more info or tickets visit www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk.
Report by Kelly Somers
