Share Loughborough Lighting clinched a comfortable 65-48 victory over Celtic Dragons as Gabby Sinclair returned to the court. The Cardiff based side kept the match to a one-goal-game in the first half of the first quarter, but Player of the Match Fran Williams dominated and continued to win ball for her Lightning attackers. Dragons stayed in touch, but the second quarter saw Lightning put even more pressure on the home side; delaying and stopping them from finding their shooters in the circle. A dominant second quarter from the top four team sent them confidently into the second half leading 34-24. Lightning's Links 🔗@LboroLightning gracefully working their way to goal as the clock ticks down in Cardiff 🏐#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/EgCOAJkZys — Netball Super League (@NetballSL) April 17, 2023 The defensive pressure from Dragons in the third quarter stepped up as they were delaying the Lightning attackers from getting the ball into Emma Thacker or Mary Cholhok, but the 2021 NSL Champions powered through and continued to build on their lead. It isn’t a Dragons match without a dance from the goal keeper to celebrate a turnover. Shaquanda Greene-Noel celebrated her defensive efforts from her first pick-up to her last intercept against a strong Lightning team. Loughborough Lightning showed why they are title contenders and continued to build on their lead despite Celtic Dragons building the pressure. Three S's... Short, sharp, shooter to shooter 🤯@shonaodwyer providing the short and sharp passes while Rudland and Dunn work together in the circle to add another point on the board for @celticdragons_ 🐉#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/2VEVji77vV — Netball Super League (@NetballSL) April 17, 2023 Greene-Noel’s defensive efforts were paying off she was continually winning ball for her team. Greene-Noel and her new defensive partner Ally Housley tried the infamous hoist, but it didn’t deter the Lightning shooters in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Lightning prevailed with a 65-48 win, cementing their fourth position in the Netball Super League table. Celtic Dragons play next against Team Bath on Friday 21st April at the Team Bath Netball Arena. Their next home game is against Saracens Mavericks for Pride Round! Match report supplied by Celtic Dragons Follow the Netball Super League on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Keep up with all the latest news by signing up to the NSL newsletter here. Share Tags: Cardiff Dragons Loughborough Lightning