Northern Thunder banked the points but got a thorough workout from the Co-operative Netball Superleague's most improved side, Loughborough Lightning. The result moves Thunder move back into third place in the battle at the top.
It has been impossible to avoid noticing the impressive improvement by Loughborough Lightning as the season has progressed. Building up from a depleted side the university team is gaining strength and plenty of character.
Northern Thunder found out first hand how tough Olivia Murphy’s young side can be as they were forced to sweat for every goal on Tuesday night. The home side’s first choice seven turned out and started at breakneck speed pulling into a seven goal lead. But Lightning have the calm, efficient, accuracy of Jo Harten at their helm and with Becky James alongside the goals flow into the net. When the ball gets into their circle it usually drops through the net and in this quarter it was 12 from 13, but trumped by Thunder’s 15 from 18.
The turnover rate was fairly high in this game where the ball had to be manoeuvred down court. Instead of fast-flowing quick ball the Lightning players had to engineer a path for the ball to reach the shooters; one watcher described it as like wading through treacle for Loughborough at times. It cut the number of chances for the visitors to stay on terms and Northern Thunder pulled ahead, 30-19 at half time.
The third quarter gave Thunder even more turnover ball, maybe three times more than their opponents but Thunder did not take full advantage. They paraded a variety of unforced errors with repetitions of footwork and breaking the line costing them and provoking an unusually animated bout of shouting from coach Mike Greenwood.
The defence held firm though, Emma Dovey, the stand out player for Thunder as the team came in 56-37 victors.
After the match goal-defence Emma Dovey said “We got off to a fast start but lost a little concentration and allowed Loughborough Lightning to get back into the game.” But she was also happy with how they responded, “ we dug in deep in the second quarter and pushed hard for the rest of the game.” She added “I’m thrilled to beat Clarkey (Jade Clarke) to Player of the Match.”
Assistant coach Suzy Chapman also praised the fast start, but not what followed, “ we got a little careless and unforced errors allowed Loughborough Lightning to keep coming back on us, with some excellent moments of attacking through court.”
“Some effective defending meant we dominated each quarter which gave us the result we deserve.”
By Lisa O’Sullivan
