Loughborough Lightning return to action in the latest round of the Tyrrell’s Premier 15s competition on Saturday, taking on Wasps Ladies after a break in action last weekend.
Wasps have had a rocky start to the season despite featuring a number of England Internationals, winning just one of their opening four games, albeit against strong opposition in Saracens, Harlequins and Gloucester-Hartpury.
Lightning have also had a varied intro into the top level of women’s rugby, winning two from four, securing a much needed win last time out courtesy of a second half comeback. Returning to competition this week, Lightning welcome a few new faces to their side.
Head Coach Rhys Edwards looks ahead to this weekend’s clash: “This week is going to be a tough challenge as Wasps are a well-established team with some of the best players in the world now at their disposal. However our squad is becoming more settled with players learning and developing, and the second half against Waterloo showed what we are capable of when we control a game. There is a confidence starting to grow among the squad that if they concentrate on their process we can be competitive against anyone.”
Donning the purple shirt for the first time this season, Georgia Bradley will make her return from injury, hoping to make an impact from the bench.
“It’s very exciting to have Georgia Bradley available for selection, and I’m looking forward to the impact she will bring when she gets her opportunity from the bench. We have made a few changes to the team following players being selected for the National Academy Squad versus South Africa, so it’s a further opportunity for players to show what they are capable of.”
Lightning travel to Twyford Avenue on Saturday 21st October for a 2.00pm kick off for the first of their two away matches.
Lightning Squad
- Mags Lowish
- Leah Bartlett
- Ofure Ugiagbe
- Carolina Pasquali
- Sarah Bonar
- Rachel Malcolm
- Becky Noon
- Sarah Hunter
- Jenny Maxwell
- Natasha Jones
- Lizzie Adam
- Emma Hardy
- Hannah Phillip
- Lucy Nye
- Florence Williams
Replacements
- Emma Bromley
- Laura Hind
- Jade Shakespeare
- Amelia Harper
- Georgia Bradley
- Amy Relf
- Ellie Turner
Report courtesy of Loughborough University
