!["Lightnings]("../images/uploads/05_170313_094008.jpg" "\"Lightnings")
16 March 2013
CELTIC DRAGONS SET 42 GOAL RECORD AS THEY TAKE LOUGHBOROUGH 34 – 76
A sloppy start from the Dragons saw them trail to their hosts for much of the first quarter at Loughborough University tonight, but what looked to be a fresh start at the second quarter ensured the Welsh side were not to go away empty handed.
In fact after a loud talking to by Coach Melissa Hyndman at quarter time, the Dragons went on to break the Superleague’s 2013 season record for the biggest margin win, trampling over their hosts by a colossal 42 goals.
A fantastic flying intercept from Lightning’s Lauren Steadman, and a solid attacking approach by Loughborough early on gave the visitors a shock, and several minutes into the game they found themselves 9-8 down.
Dragons GS Lottysha Cato equalised and from then on Celtic steadied in defense and took the lead without reverting.
Half way through the second quarter England fringe player Sophia Candappa called a time out for Lightning whilst she sought treatment for her ankle.
Meanwhile Melissa Hyndman took the opportunity to mix up her attack, moving Kyra Jones to the bench, Suzy Drane to C, Cara Moseley to WA and Emma Thomas from the bench to GA.
The changes worked well for Dragons and they raced ahead to the half time break, extending their lead by the minute.
The half time 19 – 32 scoreboard weighted heavily in favour of the Dragons, and the hosts were going to need a big boost to overcome this reeling Welsh side.
Lightning Coach Jo Webb introduced ex Storm player Fran Desmond to C, and moved Captain Candappa to WA in the hope for fresh legs in attack.
Dragons nailed their feeds to Cato and they were coming thick and fast, from Moseley, Drane, and even Stephanie Williams in defense from the centre third.
Lightning’s Afrika Morris tried to contest with Cato but unfortunately when the ball did sometimes clear out, Dragons mid courters’ arms went straight up in defense and Cara Moseley found herself intercepting at WA along with her team mates.
On the occasions the ball made it to Loughborough’s attacking end, Williams and Hale were classy and composed, and in the right place at the right time, and youngster Beth Payne lacked the experienced to contest Hale, despite a clear height advantage.
Dragons took the game 34 – 76 and go to third place in the table, making the last round of the Superleague phase one next week a crucial one.
Winless Loughborough Lightning stay in eighth place, and Dragons face Table toppers Surrey Storm in a sold out home game this Thursday.
