Murphy optimistic but wary of improved Wildcats in the Fiat Netball Super League
Following a disappointing run of results, Loughborough Lightning may not be blamed for feeling reluctant to allow the Sky cameras into the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall next Monday (21st March). However, last weekend’s performance against play-off challengers Surrey Storm, dubbed by many as their best of the season, has left Lightning player coach Olivia Murphy relishing the challenge of proving their doubters wrong, and impressing in front of a live television audience.
Lightning have already beaten next week’s opponents, Glasgow Wildcats, in the reverse fixture this season, and following an indifferent set of results, Murphy was by no means underestimating an improved Wildcats side.
“We know that Wildcats have improved since the start of the season, so we will have to be at our best to beat them.
“We have to start well, as we have seen what can happen if we give away a big deficit in the first quarter. We know that Lesley Macdonald will be a huge threat for them, especially if she is in the shooting circle so we will aim to stifle the supply to her. Defensively Mulheron and Brownie are forging a strong partnership that will test our youngsters."
Murphy however, remained confident in her sides’ ability to record their third victory of the seaon.
“We are gaining more confidence with every performance, so we know that this it is more than possible to beat them.
“We made less unforced errors in attack against Surrey Storm, and that is something we have to keep working on. We also had more options throughout the attack, which made our choices in the circle easier.
“Defensively though we still need to challenge for more turnover balls. We are getting ourselves in decent positions, but not quite taking the interceptions."
As well as coaching, this season Loughborough University’s head netball coach has also returned to the purple kit to use her experience to bolster the Lightning side. However, fans will remember the words she echoed at the beginning of the season, as she stated she was only filling in injuries.
Now with an almost fully fit squad at her disposal (Michaella Macfarlane is the only injury Lightning have), fans will be wondering if Murphy vows to stick to her comment.
“I have really enjoyed my return to the team, however my body is telling me now that it may be time to stop! The other mid court girls are pushing hard for my position on the court, so we will have to see how long I can hold on to it for..!"
And it has not only been the centre court players that have impressed the coach this season.
“I've been really pleased with how Nicola Caunt has taken the court this year in her first year of Superleague netball, and Becky James and Jo Harten are starting to create the partnership in the shooting circle that we knew they could."
Looking ahead to next week’s crunch match against Wildcats, Murphy appeared excited to get back in front of the ever loyal home crowd, and put in a performance in front of the Sky cameras. And Murphy was quick to dismiss the suggestion that the cameras would put extra pressure on her young side.
“I don't think it adds extra pressure- I think it's quite exciting! There is an extra buzz about the game, and we know that our loyal fans will be here in their numbers to support us so we'll prepare ourselves for extra noise, but otherwise we'll be ready for the game.
“I also know that there are a few fans who have already bought purple wigs and face paints for the game so it would be great if they all came like this! They have been fantastic this season, often acting as our ‘eighth’ man on court.”
For tickets or more information about Lightning, please visit www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk, or get down to the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall at 7.30pm next Monday to witness the action for yourself! By Kelly Somers
