VU-WESTERN Lightning is seeking a modicum of consistency in the Victorian Netball League, having slumped to a 0-2 win-loss record after consecutive disjointed performances.
Coach Matt Hills says a number of factors contributed to the slow start.
“You don’t like to make excuses, but we’ve had a number of injuries, changes in personnel and a bedding down of a new style of play,” he said.
“We’ve had two weeks of being competitive without getting over the line. We’ve been in the contest but lost them in 10-minute patches.”
The Lightning burst to an early lead against Peninsula Waves at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday night.
That was swiftly reeled in as the sharp-shooting Waves took a stranglehold on the game in the second and third quarters and went on to win comfortably by 12 goals.
The Lightning over-complicated the game at times. They pressed like kamikazes, which ended in turnovers, and gave away too many penalties.
The delivery to the taller, attacking combination of Melissa McCauley and first gamer Megan Fitzpatrick was, at times, erratic.
The Lightning will square off with cross-town rivals City West Falcons in the third round tonight at SNHC, and Hills is under no illusions about the task confronting his side.
“They’re 2-0 and have got one of the best goalers in the competition,” he said. “They’re going to be a big challenge for us.”
The City West Falcons made it two from two when they routed Boroondara Genesis 52-39 at the State Netball Centre. – Lance Jenkinson
Championship: Peninsula Waves 57 d VU Western Lightning 45, City West Falcons 52 d Boroondara Genesis 39.
Division 1: VU Western Lightning 42 d Peninsula Waves 37, Boroondara Genesis 42 d City West Falcons 26.
19 and under: Peninsula Waves 41 d VU Western Lightning 25, City West Falcons 45 d Boroondara Genesis 28.
