Source: Loughborough Lightning

Lightning gear up for Harlequins test

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After returning to winning ways last week Loughborough Lightning Rugby will look to continue where they left off last weekend as they head south to face Harlequins Ladies. The game, which forms part of a double header with Lightning 2’s, who also take on Harlequins 2’s in the Development League, will be held on Saturday 8 December, kicking off at 12pm at Surrey Sports Park.

Since their last clash in round three of the Tyrell’s Premier 15s, which saw Lightning storm to a 41-17 victory, Harlequins have gone undefeated. However, Lightning sit three points above Harlequins in the table and will look to show how effective they can be in attack against a very physical team.

The Lightning starting 15 remains relatively unchanged from last weekend’s side that secured a 28-10 victory over Wasps Ladies last weekend, a team featuring no less than five internationals.

Of the game, Head Coach Rhys Edwards commented: “This week is going to be a very tough game. Harlequins away was probably one of our toughest games physically last year and this week will be no different. They have a very strong pack and will be looking to implement that as soon as they can. It is therefore very important that we front up to them and stop them getting any momentum and gainline – if we can do that, it will minimise their opportunities to play.

“I am sure they will be out for payback after we won our last game 41-17, when some of their key players were unavailable. The game is looking to be a great match up and the result could really rock the league in terms of the table. For us this game is no different to any other; we will focus on our processes, match their physicality and implement our game plan. If we can do that successfully for the full 80 minutes we should be able to come away with our first ever win at Surrey Sports Park.”

Loughborough Lightning will kick off the double header at 12pm. They will then be back in action at home on the 15 December against Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s RFC as part of another double header with Loughborough Students RFC.

For further info head to: http://loughboroughsport.com/womens-super-rugby/

Lightning line-up 

1) Leah Bartlett
2) Emily Tuttosi
3) Mags Lowish
4) Cath O’Donnell
5) Anya Richmond
6) Georgia Bradley
7) Jo Brown
8) Sarah Hunter
9) Megan Davey
10) Katy Daley-Mclean
11) Ellen Ramsbottom
12) Natasha Jones
13) Carys Williams
14) Bethan Zeidler
15) Olivia Jones

Reserves

16) Amy Needham
17) Bryony Field
18) Lucy Payne
19) Amelia Harper
20) Jenny Maxwell
21) Jodie Mallard
22) Hollie Bawden

Courtesy of Loughborough University