Loughborough Lightning clinch home semi-final with win over Team Bath

The home side came flying out of the traps during the first quarter, putting their mark on the game.

Tight defensive pressure forced early Bath errors creating opportunities for Lightning to form a strong lead.

But Team Bath showed signs of a fightback as Kadeen Corbin got creative for in their attacking circle, working well with youngster Sophie Kelly who converted well from distance.

Vic Burgess also introduced Beth Cobden back to court after a lengthy spell on the side-lines with injury, she replaced Jas Odeogberin at wing defence and immediately sprung into action and played like she’d never been away.

Things you love to see 💜@BethCobs1 back on a netball court 🤗

Great reception from the @LboroLightning crowd for the returning defender ⚡#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/JQzMUSlQ3X

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 2, 2023

Lightning continued to dominate throughout the mid-court with Nat Panagarry feeding Thacker and Cholhok in the circle, with the former sinking some excellent long-range shots to lift their lead to 43-30 at half time.

The Lightning threat continued and the introduction of Rhea Dixon offered an alternative option in attack, dropping deeper to receive the ball and combine well with the mid-court and Mary Cholhok.

It was a quarter where Bath continued fight back but struggled to find momentum as Lightning’s defensive duo Alice Harvey and Fran Williams hustled well to turnover ball and win intercepts to set Lightning off on further attacks.

The final quarter saw Asha Francis make a couple of her own substitutions, with whilst Annie O'Rouke and Lily Jones both making their Team Bath debuts in the final game of the season.

Zan Vimbela immediately showed her hustle and dominance for Lightning, making tips and interceptions that forced Bath errors and ultimately increased Lightning's opportunity to attack with the ball.

Positioning perfection from Pechova 🤌@JaydaPechova picks off the pass as @TeamBathNetball close the gap 👀

Watch Lightning vs. Bath on @SkySports YouTube 💻#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/rA9zKnYDb1

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 2, 2023

Player of the match Cholhok continued to show her ability under the post as she surpassed the 800-goal mark, keeping her at the top of the Lightning and Netball Super League goalscoring charts.

Despite a strong effort from a youthful and energetic Bath side, it was Cholhok who eased the hosts past 80 points for the second time against Bath this season, making them league highest scorers.

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Report supplied by Loughborough Lightning