After a promising but disappointing defeat to Hertfordshire Mavericks the previous weekend, Loughborough Lightning were keen to record their first win of the Co-Operative Superleague Season against Celtic Dragons on Saturday.

The team’s first home fixture at the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus was played in front of a sell out crowd of 400 fans. They witnessed two enthralling games in the build up to the main event, as Lightning NTL lost out by one goal to Mavericks NTL and West Midlands NTL beat Celtic Dragons.

Lightning made a few changes to their lineup, with Katy Rose making her first start at centre and Alex Kirk moving to wing attack as Becky James came in at goal attack. Jo Harten, who had been bed ridden all week, managed to recover in time to start at goal shooter.

Olivia Murphy’s side started the game strongly with Layla Guscoth making some crucial interceptions in the defensive circle. In a quarter which saw Dragons have more attempts than Lightning, England star Harten’s shooting accuracy of 90% ensured Lightning went in 11-6 up.

In the second quarter the Dragons felt the need to reshuffle in order to cope with the height and accuracy of the in form Harten. Neal was the pick of the Dragons’ players and the Australian’s physical presence caused problems.

Lightning’s link up play in centre court was particularly impressive, with Katy Rose and Alex Kirk working tirelessly to bring the ball forward from defence into attack, something Lightning struggled with in their previous game against Mavericks. At the end of the second quarter, Lightning maintained their 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 and 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’ Neal caused Lightning more problems, as she linked up well with Drane in centre court, but they couldn’t capitalise thanks to good pressure from Loughborough. However, thanks to Thomas’ 100% shooting for the third quarter in a row, Celtic Dragons won the quarter 9-8 and reduced the deficit to 30-24.

The start of the final quarter saw Harten taken off, as her illness finally took over. Michelle MacFarlane came on to make her Lightning debut at wing attack, with Alex Kirk moving into the shooting circle at goal attack.

Accurate shooting from both Lightning shooters and powerful movement from debutant McFarlane meant the team started well. But a tense culmination to the game followed, as Dragons piled on the pressure, reducing Lightning’s lead to only two goals with three minutes to go. Thankfully, after 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 of a determined Dragons side to gain a first and 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 team’s performance and 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.