Last
updated: 05/03/08
Loughborough
edge out Bath in key netball clash
Reigning Superleague champions TeamBath faced a major clash
against, current Co-operative Super League leaders, Loughborough Lightning
at the Sports Training Village in Bath on February 8.
The Bath Netballers were to experience a shattering two goal defeat
by Loughborough Lightning with a final score of 47 - 49.
The Lightning side, including International players Jade Clarke and
Olivia Murphy in the midcourt and the accurate Jo Harten firmly positioned
at goal shooter, were in the lead during the first two quarters of the
fixture, securing a 20 - 29 advantage over reigning champions TeamBath.
The full house of supporters were seen nail-biting in their seats with
anticipation as the match progressed. The young Bath side with an average
age of under 20 made a determined comeback. Inspired by midcourt players
Sara Bayman, Jo Binns and Serena Guthrie the team delivered a swift
and remarkable performance in the third quarter of the match, balancing
the scores at 33 each in the space of nine minutes and further closing
a gap of nine goals.
Kirsty Delves out-manoeuvred the opposition netting two minutes from
the end of the period to put TeamBath forward for the first time since
a minute into the game at 37 - 36. However, the unfaltering Loughborough
Lightning side refused to slip from top spot and the crowd saw goal
attack Becky James level the score.
With the match finely balanced in quarter four and 15 minutes remaining
to determine the winners, TeamBath’s talented Pamela Cookey confidently
continued her excellent shooting record, converting seven out of eight
attempts in the final quarter.
The scores remained level at 46-46 as the Bath supporters unceasingly
cheered the team on, maintaining the electric atmosphere.
With less than three minutes remaining, Loughborough Lightning produced
a clinical finish to seize a three goal lead and ultimately take the
win.
Following the match Loughborough Lightning kept hold of top spot while
TeamBath remained third in the Superleague table and they will need
to stay in the top four in order to reach the end of season play-offs.
by Upneet Thandi
