Another excellent report from our man on the ground, CountDavid. Thanks again!
The Netball Hall at Loughborough University - home of Loughborough Lightning - hosted a capacity plus crowd - to witness their first return fixture in the Netball Super League.
Having lost a winnable match at Bath University at the beginning of the season, Lightning had a point to prove in front of their home crowd. Team Bath had an unbeaten record to protect and both teams were at full strength with international players returned from the recent Jamaican tour.
The first quarter saw Bath start strongly and soon had an advantage showing on the score board. A rally brought Lightning back into contention but still behind at the whistle (11-12).
Play resumed at a slightly increased pace. England and Loughborough captain, Olivia Murphy, was effectively playing well forward as a a second WA. Linking effectively with Karen Atkinson - the official WA - the two formed a very effective feed to the shooting circle. Alex Astle was on target, avoiding the defences of Geva Mentor and Billy Bowers, helping take the second quarter 14-12, to bring Lightning ahead at 25-24 at half time.
Team Bath lost their way in the 3rd quarter and looked washed out. Changes by coach Crabtree were not effective. The pace of play rose considerable in the final quarter with electric 1-2 passes between Olivia Murphy and Karen Atkinson geting the ball into the circle for Alex Astle and Lisa Stephenson to convert.
Meanwhile at the back of the court, Ama Agbeze and Laura Brown contained the Bath assault. Jade Clark worked relentlessly and intercepted well.
The full time whistle left a score of 54-43 on the board - the home crowd were well pleased with a magnificent display of attacking netball. Lightning had struck and Bath had lost their unbeaten record.
TeamBath Starting Seven:
GS: Rachel Dunn; GA: Pamela Cookey WA: Tamsin Greenway C: Jo Binns WD: Clare Elsley; GD: Billy Bowers; GK: Geva Mentor
Substitutes: Half time: Bianca Modeste at WD for Elsley; Three-quarter \r\ntime: Asha Tett for Cookey at GA; Jess Garland for Binns at C.
Quarter scores (TeamBath first): 12-11, 24-25, 32-37, 43-51
You can see more photos from this match at the excellent www.fotoccompli.com.
