NSL R3: Sirens 42 Lightning 63

Strathclyde Sirens vs Loughborough Lightning 20.02.23

Today’s game marks round 3 of the Super League season and the first home game for the Sirens at the Emirates Arena.
After losing their opening match to Surrey Storm and taking the win on Saturday against Stars, Sirens cast their eyes on Loughborough Lightning.

The team were evenly matched for the first few minutes. The movement down court from the visitors was controlled and fed consistently into Cholhok’s consistency.
As the game continued Sirens defence began to make its mark through Vinkhumbo in GK, chipping away within the defensive circle. The goal difference continued to widen despite the Sirens’ best efforts in front of a home crowd.

As the game continued the intensity rose causing misfired balls and interceptions. Abi Robson had a flying third quarter as WD, marking her territory in her first NSL season.

With their relentless pressure, Sirens kept pushing until the last minutes but Loughbourgh were victorious securing their position as a force to be reckoned with this season.

Both teams opened goal for goal in the first few minutes but there was an evident calmness in Lightning’s work into their shooter Cholhok.
Sirens stayed on their tail, refusing to let them run away with it. Goodwin’s movement in the shooting circle remaining controlled.
Despite Sirens struggling to assert dominance in their defensive circle in the beginning Nicholl and Vinkhumbo continued to apply pressure forcing more mistakes for the visitors.

Sirens open the second quarter strong as they move to close the lead, the combination of Goodwin and McCall shooting works seamlessly in their opening shots.
Lightning persists with added physicality as they continue to open the gap.

As Sirens trail by 11 goals every minute counts going into the second half. Vinkhumbo creates brilliant early pressure forcing the ball to be turned in the defensive third but the team struggle to utilise it and secure the goal. Abi Robson provides excellent support in midcourt, intercepting twice in the space of a few minutes.

As the quarter draws to an end Barrie comes into shoot and the energy around the attacking circle becomes electric. Sirens continue to give their all into the game but it becomes increasingly difficult to match the combination of the likes of Panagarry and Joseph as they effortlessly move the ball from the centre pass to the shooters.

Assistant head coach Rachel Cremin comments;
“It was great to get the first run out in front of a home crowd. We knew it would be a tough game going up against last year’s finalists, unfortunately Loughborough came out on top. The task now is to get our heads down and to focus on the next game.”

Join us at the Emirates Arena:

Sirens vs Leeds Rhinos – Saturday 4th March – Centre Pass 2pm
Sirens vs Saracen Mavericks – Friday 17th March – Centre Pass 7.30pm
Sirens vs Surrey Storm – Monday 10th April – Centre Pass 7.30pm
Sirens vs Severn Stars – Friday 14th April – Centre Pass 7.30pm
Sirens vs Team Bath – Monday 1st May – Centre Pass 7.30pm
Sirens vs London Pulse – Saturday 13th May – Centre Pass 4pm
Sirens vs Celtic Dragons – Friday 26th May – Centre Pass 7.30pm
Sirens vs Manchester Thunder – Saturday 3rd June – Centre Pass 2pm