Lightning Strike At Sport Central

Team Northumbria found unbeaten Loughborough Lightning too hot to handle as the runaway Netball Superleague leaders bagged an impressive 70-47 win.

Karen Atkinson’s side arrived on Tyneside on the back of a seven-game winning streak and broke the game open midway through the second quarter.

But TN head into their Easter Weekend road trip beaten but unbowed following a feisty display against the talented table toppers.

Vicky Burgess retained her place on the bench after Northern Ireland international Noleen Lennon was forced to pull out with a calf injury.

And despite the return from suspension of centre Jaydene Robinson, head coach TeAroha Keenan named the same starting seven that soared to victory against Severn Stars.

A second successive win against Loughborough was always going to be a tall order for TN and Lightning surged into a 6-1 lead.

But the fighting spirit at the heart of the home side’s first win of the season was there for all to see as Keenan’s side mounted a stirring comeback.

In-form Welsh international Georgia Rowe sank four goals without reply to bring TN back into contention.

And although Loughborough managed to retain the lead throughout the first quarter, only three goals separated the two teams heading into the second period.

Fi Toner was enjoying her best game in a TN dress since returning to Tyneside as Kati Cooper’s long-term replacement last month.

But the Dublin-based defender found Lightning duo Peace Proscovia and Vanessa Walker tough to contain as the visitors gradually built a strong lead.

The East Midlands franchise led 32-23 at half-time but Keenan kept faith with her starting seven - working closely with Rowe during the interval.

And it was only when Tamsin Moala pulled up midway through the third period that the Kiwi playcaller was forced to make a change.

Robinson entered the fray under orders to control the temper that had seen the centre ejected from successive Superleague clashes.

And her introduction saw Brie Grierson replace Moala at wing attack.

In truth no amount of new faces were going to halt Loughborough’s march to an eighth top flight win on the bounce.

Moala returned at goal shooter for the final period with Evie Brereton handed an opportunity at goal keeper and Toner switched to wing defence.

But Lightning extended their 56-31 third quarter lead to close out a comfortable away win and look every inch the champions elect.