PAYBACK for last year’s grand final defeat was not a motivating force behind VU-Western Lightning’s thrilling two-goal win over City West Falcons in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday night.
The Lightning were not even stirred by the prospect of bragging rights over their western suburbs rivals.
This was all about four premiership points and redemption from a heavy round-two loss to the undefeated Peninsula Waves.
“It was more about getting back on the bike,” Lightning coach Matt Hills said.
“We didn’t mention the grand final at all.”
Close games have become a common theme in these all-west encounters.
The side that wins is usually the one that can execute better down the stretch and limit turnovers.
“We always tend to have close games with the Falcons,” Hills said.
“Over the last three years, we’ve developed a fairly competitive rivalry. There’s only been one game that’s been a bit of a blowout, which was our second game last season.
“Other than that, including last season’s grand final, they’ve all been right down to the wire.”
The Lightning produced a spirited performance.
They suffered a blow before half-time with Amelia Hills ruled out for the rest of the game with a finger injury.
There was no break, but X-rays revealed ligament damage, which could see the talented wing attack consigned to the sidelines.
The Lightning’s young mid-court filled the void with Elle Bennetts, Madeline Carter and Sophie Barr instrumental.
“We lost one of our key centre-courters and were able to cover that and still go on and win the game,” Hills said. “That’s a great thing for us.”
It was a neck-and-neck game throughout, much like last season’s decider.
The Lightning held on to their two-goal three-quarter time lead until the last whistle.
Their defensive pillars, Fiona Theman and Brooke Thompson, were hard to pass.
They enjoyed a telling battle with Falcons goalers Julia Knott (23-from-28) and Maggie Lind (11-from-19).
Most encouraging for the Lightning was the performance of new goaler combination Megan Fitzpatrick (25-from-30) and Erin McCarthy (11-from-18).
“That’s been our area of challenge and it’s good to see some improved signs,” Hills said.
Both the Lightning and the Falcons sit inside the top four with a 2-1 record.
The Lightning host North East Blaze in tonight’s 7pm game at the SNHC, while the Falcons take to the court at 9.40pm against Monash University Central.
VNL SCOREBOARD
Championship: VU-Western Lightning 36 City West Falcons 34.
Division 1: VU-Western Lightning 36 City West Falcons 61.
19 and under: VU-Western Lightning 16 City West Falcons 41
