NETBALL: WASPS Netball brought an end to Loughborough Lightning’s unbeaten run with a huge 54-57 away victory in a top of the table clash.
Tamsin Greenway’s side maintained their unbeaten record away from home, securing an impressive victory against their Midlands rivals at the Leicester Arena.
The win sets the team up perfectly for the challenge of Severn Stars at the Ricoh Arena tonight (May 1).
Wasps started out the stronger against Loughborough, with some sloppy play by the home-side gifting Wasps an early five-goal lead.
Wasps goal shooter Rachel Dunn looked in imposing form, putting on a shooting masterclass throughout the early stages.
Lightning found their feet toward the end of the first quarter, with star scorer Peace Proscovia causing trouble for the Wasps defenders, holding the visiting team to a three goal advantage at the end of the first quarter.
Both sides kept it close throughout the second quarter, but Lucy Harris continued to feed Dunn and Nat Haythornthwaite in the circle and keep Wasps in the lead.
The league-leaders came out strong in the second half, with frustration getting the better of Wasps and Lightning taking their first lead of the game.
The visitors kept pace with Lightning, but the home side still led by two going into a crucial last quarter.
Wasps Director of Netball Tamsin Greenway entered the court for the final quarter, as her side worked hard to regain their advantage.
With less than five minutes to go, Wasps got their reward and a series of interceptions saw them suddenly stretch out to a six goal lead.
Further impressive work defensively ensured Greenway’s team secured a confidence boosting three point win away from home.
Tamsin Greenway said: “This game wasn’t necessarily about the win. It was all about seeing where each player was ahead of the Final Four next month.
“It’s nice to know that we can compete against a top quality side, which probably plays the best netball in the league.
“We didn’t play particularly well today but I’m pleased that we came through.
“It was nice to go into the game and probably be the underdogs for the first time, they had a great noisy home support and it was brilliant to see us overcome that.”
Tonight’s game against Severn Stars at the Ricoh Arena starts at 6pm.
