Loughborough Lightning travelled to Northern Thunder on Tuesday for the second Co-Operative Superleague meeting between the two teams in less than a month.

Lightning were looking to regain the momentum they found prior to the Easter break, following a succession of improved performances which saw them record a much deserved second win of the season against Team Northumbria. However, play off chasing Thunder once again proved too strong for the Loughborough side, as they took the game 56-37.

The Lightning line up was fairly familiar, but saw Katy Rose start the game at centre for the injured Sarah Jane O’Sullivan whilst Emma Bliss returned at goal defence.

The away side made a slow start, littered with unconvincing passes and mistakes throughout the court. Mistakes that Lightning could ill afford as an experienced Thunder centre court of Jade Clarke and Sarah Bayman turned over much of Lightning’s possession.

The Thunder attack was on form, as shooters Karen Greig and Charlotte Beenham were consistently accurate under the post. Lightning were on the back foot and soon found themselves 9-2 down. Thanks to defensive turnovers in the latter stage of the quarter, Lightning managed to claw their way back into the game with Jo Harten and Becky James taking their chances. The quarter ended with Lightning 15-12 down.

At the start of the second quarter Thunder again came out much faster than Lightning. They regained their speed down the court and Greig remained consistent under the post. Thunder were punishing Lightning at every opportunity. They also managed to restrict the talismanic Jo Harten to only four shots for the quarter.

The difficulty Lightning’s attack had in finding Harten was mirrored by the defence’s struggle to break down a confident Thunder attack. As Lightning’s unforced errors increased, so did Thunder’s lead, creating a half time score of Thunder 30 Lightning 19.

At the start of the second half, both teams made changes. Thunder fielded a new attack, with Greig moving out to goal attack, and towering goal shooter Anastasia Wilson and wing attack Krystal Gale coming on. Lightning swapped James and Harten, with Kara Luck on at goal defence, and Talissa Haynes at wing defence.

The changes failed to halt Thunder’s progress, with their centre court defensive pressure again impressive. Lightning scored five unanswered goals at the end of the quarter from Harten, but still struggled to fight back from the deficit. Thunder’s lead was extended by the end of the quarter to 45-30.

In a final attempt to get back into the game, Lightning moved Alex Kirk to goal attack, with Masego Moutang at wing attack and Australian Becky White making her Co-Operative Superleague debut at centre. It was a scrappy last quarter with both teams making errors. The Lightning defensive circle were causing Thunder problems but again, but failed to provide the Harten with enough opportunities to really make a difference.

Coach Olivia Murphy (pictured above) was disappointed after the game.

“It was a disappointing performance today against a Thunder team who are coming together well in time for the play offs. We gave ourselves a mountain to climb with a very poor start and were forced to chase the game from then. When in possession, we did not provide our shooters with enough opportunities to put Thunder under pressure.”

Lightning face an away trip to Celtic Dragons on 10th April before their next home game on 15th April against Team Bath at the Netball Centre with a 7.30pm.

For tickets or more information please visit www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk.