VU-WESTERN Lightning 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 went into the clash with its backs against the wall following two consecutive losses to start the campaign.
What better way to announce your arrival than to beat a traditional powerhouse and do it in a derby.
Second-year Lightning coach Matt Hills said 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 players shot themselves in the foot. They were turnover-heavy and neglected the defensive responsibilities that had become a staple since Hills took over.
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. 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.”
The Lightning did its most damage at the end of quarters one and two.
It fought 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 with a 7-2 blitz.
The Lightning faces the Ballarat Pride tomorrow night at SNHC.
