VU-WESTERN Lightning has turned the corner with a thrilling three-goal win over arch rivals City West Falcons in the first western showdown of the Victorian Netball League season at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday night.
The Lightning had its back against the wall following two consecutive losses and players were desperate to prove their relevance.
Second-year Lightning coach Matt Hills told the Weekly it was the biggest win of his short stint with the club.
“The Falcons are like Collingwood of the AFL; everyone loves to beat them. And that’s credit to [Falcons coach] Marg Lind and what she has built there.”
The Lightning’s form was not all that bad in the opening fortnight.
It held leads against two sides who remain undefeated three rounds into the competition. You could say the Lightning shot itself in the foot.
Players were turnover-heavy and neglected the defensive responsibilities that had become a staple since Hills took over at the start of last season.
Fast forward to the Falcons and it was a totally contrasting picture.
“I was really happy with our team defence this week,” Hills said.
“The most the Falcons scored in a row was three goals so we did not let them dictate the game. We used the ball better in attack.”
The heartbeat of the Lightning was second-gamer Elle Bennetts.
The inexperienced centre pulled the strings in the mid-court.
“She was coming off foot and ankle injuries,” Hills said.
“It’s a credit to her that she was able to run out the game.”
Sophie Barr offered plenty of energy in the goal attack position.
The youngster has a bright future with the Lightning if her performance on Peta Fay and Casey Price is any indication.
Melissa McCauley, snapped up in the off season, was the game breaker.
The sharpshooting goaler hit 34 of 43 to finish with 79per cent efficiency.
The Lightning did its most damage at the end of quarters one and two, fighting back from a four-goal deficit in the first term to take the lead with a 10-2 run.
In the second term, it further strengthened its hold on the game with a 7-2 blitz.
The Falcon with the biggest impact was centre/wing attack Christie Barnes – a positive sign considering the premiership player was coming off a long-term lay-off with a knee injury.
The Lightning, who Hills said gained an “extremely good” confidence boost from the win, faces the Ballarat Pride tomorrow night at SNHC.
The Falcons, who have won two from three, will be looking to get back on track against the North East Blaze, also at SNHC.
SCORES:
Championship: VU Western Lightning 45 d City West Falcons 42.
Division 1: City West Falcons 46 d VU Western Lightning 41.
19 and under: City West Falcons 56 d VU Western Lightning 34.
