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Loughborough Lightning 54 – 57 Wasps Netball

Wasps Netball brought an end to Loughborough Lightning’s unbeaten run with a huge 54-57 away victory in a top of the table clash.

Tamsin Greenway’s side maintained their unbeaten record away from home, securing an impressive victory against their Midlands rivals at the Leicester Arena.

The win sets the team up perfectly for the challenge of Severn Stars at the Ricoh Arena on Monday evening (6.00pm centre-pass).

Tamsin Greenway, Wasps Director of Netball, said: “This game wasn’t necessarily about the win. It was all about seeing where each player was ahead of the Final Four next month.

“It’s nice to know that we can compete against a top quality side, which probably plays the best netball in the league. We didn’t play particularly well today but I’m pleased that we came through.”

“It was nice to go into the game and probably be the underdogs for the first time, they had a great noisy home support and it was brilliant to see us overcome that.”

Wasps started out the stronger, with some sloppy play by the home-side gifting Wasps an early five-goal lead.

Wasps Goal shooter Rachel Dunn looked in imposing form, putting on a shooting masterclass throughout the early stages.

Lightning found their feet toward the end of the first quarter, with star shooter Peace Proscovia causing trouble for the Wasps defenders, holding Wasps to a three goal advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Both sides kept it close throughout the second quarter, but Lucy Harris continued to feed Dunn and Nat Haythornthwaite in the circle and keep Wasps in the lead.

The league-leaders came out strong in the second half, with frustration getting the better of Wasps and Lightning taking their first lead of the game.

The visitors kept pace with Lightning, but the home side still led by two going into a crucial last quarter.

Wasps Director of Netball Tamsin Greenway entered the court for the final quarter, as Wasps worked hard to regain their advantage.

With less than five minutes to go, Wasps got their reward and a series of interceptions saw them suddenly stretch out to a six goal lead.

Wasps continued to impress defensively and secured a huge, confidence-boosting 54-57 win away from home.

Wasps Netball’s next fixture will see them face Severn Stars at the Ricoh Arena on Monday, May 1 (6.00pm centre-pass) – with less than 100 tickets available for the Bank Holiday Monday clash.

Tickets for Wasps Netball vs Severn Stars start from £10 for adults while under-10s go free, and can be purchased from www.waspsnetball.co.uk/tickets.

Player of the match: Rachel Dunn

Q1: 12-15
Q2: 27-32
Q3: 43-41
Q4: 54-57

Wasps starting seven: GK Josie Huckle; GD Hannah Reid; WD Sam May; C Bongi Msomi; WA Lucy Harris; GA Nat Haythornthwaite; GS Rachel Dunn

Used Substitutes: Williams (GD) Greenway (WA)

Loughborough Lightning starting seven: GK Airey; GD Trip; WD Oyesola; C Cobden; WA Panagarry; GA Walker; GS Proscovia

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