Head coach Nathan Smith has selected the England Under-20s prop to start at loosehead for Saturday’s showdown with the reigning Allianz PWR champions at the Alpas Arena (kick-off: 2pm).

The 21-year-old joined Lightning in December as she returned to the elite level of women’s rugby following the demise of her former side Worcester Warriors and was an unused replacement against Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs before Christmas.

“Catherine has adapted to life at Loughborough Lightning really well,” said Smith. “It is a big culture shift coming to Loughborough, with the training demands and expectations on her. She has dealt with that well and has settled in nicely.”

Katie Trevarthen, who has started all five league games this season and made a staggering 30 tackles last time out against Exeter Chiefs in Round 6, is selected among the replacements.

The only other change to the starting line-up sees Chloe Rollie miss out with a foot injury and is replaced by Bulou Mataitoga (pictured), as the versatile USA Eagles international starts her third match of the season in a different position after previously being selected on the wing and in the centres.

Maja Meuller returns as the replacement hooker and back row forward Hallie Taufoou is included on the bench which contains six forwards and two backs.

Inside centre Carmela Morrall makes her fourth consecutive start in her first outing since being nominated for the RPA’s Most Valuable Player under the age of 23 for her performances in December, when she scored three tries and made 237 metres with ball in hand.

Lightning players enjoyed some down time over the Christmas period before returning to training this week ahead of the Gloucester-Hartpury match – with Smith noticing a spring in the step of his players.

He said: “Wednesday night’s team session was the best team session we have had since I have been here. Essentially, we had two mixed 15s going at each other with a development group working alongside that.

“Competition for places is through the roof which you can see by the strength of the players who have not made the 23 but also the strength of the replacements, to come and really add impetus within the game. Competition for places is quite fierce which is exactly what we needed and what we aimed to get at the start of preseason.”

Opponents Gloucester-Hartpury have made a near-perfect start to their title defence winning all four of their games so far, with three bonus points secured along the way – including in their 31-19 victory at Twickenham Stadium on 30 December as part of the Big Game double header that preceded the men’s clash between the two Clubs.

“At the end of the day they are champions for a reason,” said Smith. “They are a great team. Nobody expects anything from us, which is a great place to be at. We are really excited to go there and build on the performance from Exeter. If I see what I saw against Exeter versus Gloucester, then Gloucester are in for one hell of a game.”

While Lightning took a break from action as Gloucester-Hartpury played last weekend, there was a welcome return to action for one of their longest-serving players; Jenny Maxwell.

The Scotland international scrum-half last wore an African Violet shirt in March 2022 after being sidelined with a major knee injury suffered during a Six Nations match with Italy.

As part of her rehabilitation, the 31-year-old joined Edinburgh on a short-term loan and made her return during a 20-minute spell of Saturday’s 28-12 victory over Glasgow Warriors.

“Jenny going to Edinburgh is about making sure she is in the best possible position for Lightning moving forward,” Smith explained. “She needs to play rugby. However, her return to play doesn’t lend itself to coming straight back into the Lightning squad. We are really proud of her, the medical team at Loughborough and Scotland have done an exceptional job with her.

“I feel her determination to come back from such an horrific injury has been incredible. It’s testament to her character that she has come back with a hunger to get back in the Lightning team which she has shown by her commitment to go off at Christmas and play for Edinburgh and show us that she is getting ready to come back in here. We are really pleased and proud of her.”

GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY v LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING
Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby, Round 7
Saturday 6 January 2024
Alpas Arena
Kick-off: 2pm

15 Bulou Mataitoga
14 Georgina Tasker (vc)
13 Helena Rowland
12 Carmela Morrall
11 Bo Westcombe-Evans
10 Helen Nelson
9 Megan Davey

1 Catherine Wells
2 Kathryn Treder
3 Christine Belisle
4 Emma Wassell
5 Catherine O’Donnell
6 Rachel Malcolm (c)
7 Sadia Kabeya
8 Daisy Hibbert-Jones

Replacements:
16 Maja Mueller
17 Katie Trevarthen
18 Grace Clifford
19 Lili Ives Campion
20 Abby Duguid
21 Hallie Taufoou
22 Jess Weaver
23 Carys Williams-Morris

With thanks to Loughborough Lightning

It was 15 minutes in that saw Wasps strike first with a penalty from Flo Williams. This was followed by multiple visits to Loughborough’s half with no reward. In the minutes ahead Loughborough started a move on Wasps’ halfway line which progressed allowing  Danni Allen to score Loughborough’s first try of the day.

A few minutes later affairs saw Loughborough drift their attack down their right wing and touch down in the corner. With half an hour on the clock, Wasps found themselves 3-14 down. After positive play from Wasps with lovely touches from Williams gaining more territory into Loughborough’s half discipline saw penalties given bringing Wasps back into their half.

Just before half time, a lineout from Loughborough found a well-timed pass met with a line from Molly Lithuyi who ran in Loughborough’s third try of the day putting them 3-21 up at Half Time.

On the blow of the whistle Wasps conceded almost straight from the kick-off with a regained ball from Loughborough’s Daisy Hibbert-Jones who ran in a try. This was followed later with a returned kick-off from Wasps that saw Loughborough dotting down in the corner for their fifth score from Bo Westcombe-Evans.

With 5 minutes into the second half gone, Wasps won a penalty which Hannah Edwards kicked to touch. From the resulting lineout, an impressive driving maul lead to Wasps’ first try of the day by new Captain Liz Crake which brought the score to 10-35.

The final 15 minutes of play saw an end-to-end battle from both teams with potential switching back and forth, from turnover to penalties. Loughborough built up play and off the back of a ruck managed to pick and go, with an additional pass out wide. The final 5 minutes saw Captain Crake go over for her second try of the afternoon and just on the cusp of the final whistle Loughborough found a gap and ran in their seventh try of the afternoon topping off a tough day at the office for Wasps at Twyford Avenue

Final Score – Wasps 17-47 Loughborough

With thanks to Wasps

Both teams have insufficient points to venture beyond the group stage, so the match was a ‘dead rubber.’ Before the match, a minute’s silence was held, followed by the national anthem; and an ECB statement was read out to mourn the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Match video from Sunrisers, with highlights edited by ‘NV-play’ (please see below.) Starting late after 25 overs, the first half of Lightning’s innings is absent (at time of writing) but may be added later. Commentators included Sunrisers’ resident skipper Kelly Castle, who said she was recovering from a bruised shoulder; with team-mate Cordelia Griffith Also via ESPN-cric-info social media. Weather at Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford was described as a ‘glorious’ September day, 15-20C

Lightning innings

Skipper Kathryn Bryce (Scottish International.) Debutante Michaela Kirk (South Africa.) *At mid-way, Lightning were 106/4. From the scorecard, Tammy Beaumont 12(27) was ‘run out’ by Gayatri Gole. Sarah Bryce 1 was clean-bowled by Kate Coppack (12.4overs.) *Marie Kelly 46(72) was caught by Sonali Patel from Joanne Gardner. *Four balls later Bethan Ellis was caught by keeper Mia Rogers for a third-ball duck, from Grace Scrivens. *After 26 overs when commentary starts, Lightning were 107/4. Georgie Boyce 3 stepped ‘too far across’ when clean-bowled by Joanne Gardner. *Michaela Kirk 6 went ‘leg before’ to Joanne Gardner, bagging a 3-fer (3/45): at which point Lightning were said to be in ‘real trouble.’ *Lucy Higham 9 was also clean-bowled, with off-stump seen flying across to the leg-side; by Naomi Dattani. *Sophie Munro 34(41) played a vital innings to boost Lightning’s score until caught aerial at ‘mid-off’ by Alice Macleod, from Sonali Patel (1/37.) *Scoring a skipper’s century, Kathryn Bryce 104(109) had ‘freedom to swing the bat’ until the final over when ‘brilliantly caught’ by Jody Grewcock at deep midwicket,’ from Mady Villiers’ bowling.

Sunrisers innings

Stand-in skipper Naomi Dattani with Mia Rogers keeping wicket, debutante batter Jodie Grewcock for Cordelia Griffith and Sonali Patel for Abtaha Maqsood. *Openers Grace Scrivens and Jodie Grewcock reached 49/0 after 10 overs power play (vs 42/1): their partnership putting on 97-runs for Sunrisers’ first wicket. *Early advantage evaporated when four wickets tumbled for just one run. Firstly Jodie Grewcock 35(64) was caught by Kirstie Gordon from Kathryn Bryce. *Secondly, Grace Scrivens  54(65) was caught by Kathryn Bryce, from Kirstie Gordon. *Thirdly, Mady Villiers was caught-and-bowled by Kirstie Gordon for a fourth-ball duck. *Fourthly, Naomi Dattani was clean bowled by Marie Kelly five balls later, for a fifth-ball duck. Drinks were taken at mid-way, with Sunrisers on 125/6 (vs 106/4.) *When Joanne Gardner went ‘leg-before’ to Kirstie Gordon, Sunrisers were said to have ‘an awful lot to do.’ *Moreso when another three wickets fell for 3 runs. *Firstly, Mia Rogers 7 went ‘leg before’ to Sophie Munro. *Secondly, Alice Macleod was caught by Georgie Boyce from Kathryn Bryce (2/26) for a fourth-ball duck. *Thirdly, Jess Olorenshaw 21(38) was skittled by Sophie Munro (2/35). *Four balls later Gayatri Gole 3 was clean-bowled, bagging Kirstie Gordon a 4-fer (4/31). *Finally, having made double-figures, Kate Coppack 12(8) was caught by Kathryn Bryce: said to be a ‘stunning’ catch taken at ‘mid-on,’ from Lucy Higham (1/24) to finish the match early with nine overs remaining.

Summary 

Dead-rubber match in which four players from each side made double-figures. Lightning’s Kathryn Bryce scored a skipper’s ’ton,’ bagged two wickets and took one catch. Later in the match, fellow Scots International Kirstie Gordon took a 4-fer. Sophie Munro ‘topped-up’ Lightning’s total. For Sunrisers, Joanne Gardner took a 3-fer. Grace Scrivens scored ‘fifty’ and took one wicket. Debutante Jodie Grewcock not only took a ‘brilliant’ catch to dismiss Kathryn Bryce, but also made second-best score for her team. Although Sunrisers were a nose ahead after their ten-overs power play, any perceived advantage evaporated when four Sunrisers’ wickets fell for just one run. Loss of another three wickets for three runs left tail-enders with ‘too much to do.’ Neither team can progress beyond their group stage with at least one more round to play.

Result: Lightning Women 230/9 beat Sunrisers Women 160, by 70 runs (with 54 balls remaining)

Lightning batting: 230/9 (from 50 overs@4.60 runs-per-over); Kathryn Bryce 104(109), Marie Kelly 46(72), Sophie Munro 34(41), Tammy Beaumont 12(27); Sunrisers bowling: Joanne Gardner 3/45, Kate Coppack 1/18, Grace Scrivens 1/26, Naomi Dattani 1/39, Sonali Patel 1/37, Mady Villiers 1/63; Fow 1-42, 2-49, 3-104, 4-105, 5-110, 6-123, 7-150, 8-224, 9-226; Sunrisers batting: 160/10 (from 41/50 overs @3.90 runs-per-over/target 231 from 50 overs); Grace Scrivens 54(65), Jodie Grewcock 35(64), Jess Olorenshaw 21(38), Kate Coppack 12(8); Lightning bowling: Kirstie Gordon 4/31, Kathryn Bryce 2/26, Sophie Munro 2/35, Marie Kelly 1/19, Lucy Higham 1/24; Fow 1-97, 2-97, 3-97, 4-98, 5-109, 6-134, 7-135, 8-137, 9-141, 10-160.

Scorecard & statistics at URL https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2022-1297659/sunrisers-vs-lightning-1297949/full-scorecard

Match highlights, courtesy of Sunrisers Cricket via NV-Play on YouTube at URL at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#ma0cab07e-dad1-4d5a-b994-6e2c31ddd43e

Match free-to-air, starting from Lightning on 107/4 (26 overs) via NV-Play on YouTube at URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrnNQBDT0sE

This was reportedly an historic ‘ICC List A’ match. Never before had a cricket match been Umpired ‘on-field’ by a married couple: Jasmine Naeem and Naeem Ashraf  former Pakistan International cricketers, now husband-and-wife. Umpires had plenty to do once play got underway in overcast conditions with the perpetual threat of rain, with a fifty-minute hiatus just before (what was) the mid-match point.

Storm’s skipper Sophie Luff (pictured) came closest to scoring ‘fifty,’ top-scoring with 48 runs (from 66 balls.) Storm’s Dani Gibson deserves special mention: not only for bowling the last two deliveries through a shower of rain; but also for top bowler’s economy throughout the entire match. Gibson also took two wickets (2/26) and made two catches at a critical moment – as mentioned below. Two fixed side-screen cameras captured key moments for broadcast via social media (via NV play livestream, with commentator Mike Perkins; and via ESPN-cric-info) – as evidenced by video clips – please see below.

Storm’s innings. *Remarkably, Storm’s batters avoided playing unwise ‘sweeps’ that had thrown away wickets in shorter formats of the game. *This strategy allowed substantive batting partnerships to develop throughout their innings. *Partnered by (A) Alex Griffiths, (B) Fran Wilson and (C) Dani Gibson, a collective 121 runs were bagged when batting with skipper Luff. Thereafter, Natasha Wraith mini-partnerships bagged 64, continuing with Dani Gibson, followed by Lauren Parfitt and Sophia Smale. Finally, a cameo between showers between Sophia Smale with Lauren Filer and Claire Nicholas bagged another 59 runs.

*Australian seamer Piepa Cleary (3/45) struck early, trapping opener Georgia Hennessy 11(19) ‘leg before.’ *After 10 overs ‘power play’, Storm were 44/1; and 65/2 by the 100-ball benchmark (16.4 overs.) *Skipper Sophie Luff 48(66) added 67 runs from 68 balls for Storm’s third wicket with Fran Wilson 43(37). *Having hit two-out-of-three ’sixes,’ Fran Wilson was caught at ‘mid-off’ by Katherine Bryce during the twenty-fifth over, the last ball of that over marking mid-way (118/3; 25 overs.) Later, Katherine Bryce took a second ‘mid-off’ catch.

*Skipper Luff also added 29 runs from 27 balls with Dani Gibson 16(20), for Storm’s fourth wicket, until Luff was caught behind by keeper Sarah Bryce. Katie George 16(10) played a short-lived cameo hitting spinner Kirstie Gordon for two ‘fours’ and Josie Groves for ’six ’until ‘run-out.’ *Returning for two more overs, Piepa Cleary’s fifth ball had Dani Gibson caught by Grace Ballinger, bringing a new pair of batters to the crease. Storm passed the 200-mark just after 38 overs. Natasha Wraith 35(36) played anchor for the next twelve overs until ‘run out’ by Beth Harmer’s direct hit. *Piepa Cleary also caught-and-bowled Lauren Filer from an aerial shot (5.) *Thereafter, Claire Nicholas 23(38) and Sophia Smale 12(15) steered Storm home without further loss through the five remaining overs; also chalking-up 250 runs during the final over. Playing their full quota of fifty overs, Storm closed on 255/9.

Lightning’s reply. *After applying the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern ‘DLS’ method calculation, Lightning were handed a lower target: 242 runs from 34.2 overs. *Having been loaned from Vipers, Emily Windsor had immediate impact, forming cameo partnerships that added a total of 80 runs: with (A) Marie Kelly, (B) Lucy Higham and (C) Beth Harmer. *Storm’s opening bowlers (Dani Gibson and Lauren Filer) gifted two wides that delivered Lightning’s first two overs with eight balls. *Both bowlers went on to take ‘big-hitters’ wickets: Lauren Filer clean-bowled Sarah Bryce (11) and Dani Gibson having Kathryn Bryce caught by Fran Wilson (5). *Dani Gibson’s (2/26) next over bagged Marie Kelly’s wicket (2): caught by Sophia Smale. *After ten overs ‘power play’ and with their biggest hitters gone: Lightning seemed depleted on 36/3 (vs 44/1.) *Thereafter, Lucy Higham 34(39) and Emily Windsor 27(46) stepped-up, adding 62 runs for the fourth wicket. *As Lightning’s top scorer Lucy Higham was eventually caught-and-bowled by Claire Nicholas (1/36).

*Disaster struck Lightning during Lauren Parfitt’s (2/22) second over when Storm’s Dani Gibson took two catches. Firstly to dismiss Emily Windsor (27.) Secondly catching Piepa Cleary for a golden duck. *Lightning posted 128/6 (vs 118/3) carrying three wickets’ disadvantage after 25 overs. *Lighting’s scaled-down run-chase fizzled out following a tail-end collapse when keeper Natasha Wraith snapped-up two wickets just three balls apart. *Wraith’s first catch dismissed Kirstie Gordon for a third-ball duck; also catching Josie Groves (4).

Summary: Storm took fewer risks when playing the longer format of the game where batting partnerships are paramount. *Lighting’s innings reached a premature end after 34.2 overs, falling 75 runs short of their revised DLS target; played in much wetter conditions  than their opponents. *Turning to the Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy table for 50-over matches, Storm’s first five points win nudge them top; ahead of Stars on equal points but with superior net-run-rate.

Result Western Storm Women 260/9 (50 overs) beat Loughborough Lightning Women 166/9 (target 242 from 34.2/34.2 overs) by 75 runs – DLS method

Storm: 260/9 (50 overs, 5.2 runs-per-over): Sophie Luff 48(66), Fran Wilson 43(37), Natasha Wraith 35(36), Sophia Smale 23(38), Alex Griffiths 22(38); Lightning bowling: Piepa Cleary 3/45, Teresa Graves 1/23, Josie Groves 1/25, Lucy Higham 1/38, Kirstie Gordon 1/55; Fow 1-22, 2-47, 3-114, 4-143, 5-159, 6-168, 7-196, 8-223, 9-230; L’boro Lightning 166/9 (34.2/34.2 overs, 4.83 runs-per-over): Lucy Higham 34(39), Bethany Harmer 27(20), Emily Windsor 27(46), Teresa Graves 26(40); Storm bowling: Lauren Filer 3/35, Lauren Parfitt 2/22, Danielle ‘Dani’ Gibson 2/26, Claire Nicholas 1/36. Fow  1-17, 2-22, 3-23, 4-85, 5-102, 6-102, 7-133, 8-135, 9-139.

Edited highlights are free-to-view courtesy of Lightning live stream – ignoring the incorrect match banner at the time of writing (nv play) via Youtube and Smart TV at URL  https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/performance/lightning/cricket/match-centre/#vf6b3a64f-3eff-4467-be3c-26d175214433 Scorecard and statistics at URL: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy-2022-1297659/lightning-vs-western-storm-1297928/full-scorecard

Openers Georgie Boyce (71 runs from 56 balls) and Emma Lamb (56 from 49) made 40 runs from Thunder’s power play, reaching 71 by mid-way.

*At the 100 ball benchmark, Thunder were 130 without loss.

*Thereafter, both openers were caught behind by Kathryn Bryce within six balls of each other. Firstly Emma Lamb fell to Lightning’s Australian Spinner Piepa Cleary (3/34) – the first of her three decisive wickets. Secondly Georgie Boyce fell to Josie Groves (1/22). Piepa Cleary took two more wickets during Thunder’s nineteenth over when skipper Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Threlkeld was caught behind by keeper Sarah Bryce.

*The same combination struck next ball when Danielle Collins was stumped, placing Cleary on a ‘hat trick.’ Bowler-turned-batter Laura Marshall sent Cleary’s ‘hat trick’ ball for ‘four.’ Bowling the death over, Sophie Munro had Shachi Pai ‘run out’ by Lucy Higham, first ball.

*Sophie Munro’s remaining over went for ‘ones’ and ‘twos’ as Thunder closed on 152/5.

*Opening Lightning’s reply, Marie Kelly (8) scored two ‘fours’ from Laura Jackson’s seam, but fell ‘leg before’ (third ball) to former England spinner Alex Hartley (1/13). Following the power play, Lightning were 50/1 (compared to 40/0). Lightning lost another wicket before mid-way 83/2 (v 71/0): when Ella Claridge (24 from 18) was clean-bowled by Phoebe Graham (1/19.)

*During an eventful twelfth over, Tammy Beaumont (59 from 48) struck Laura Jackson (1/26) for three ‘fours’ and was caught by Danielle Collins.

*Sarah Bryce as the new batter, also struck Laura Jackson for ‘four’ taking the tally of runs scored from Jackson’s over to 18. A miserly over from Alex Hartley redressed the balance. Next over, Sarah Bryce (7) was stumped by Ellie Threlkeld, coming down the wicket to Hannah Jones’ spin.

*At the 100 ball benchmark, Lightning were level-pegging on 132/4 (v 130/0.)

*Kathryn Bryce (29 from 20) scored above par until caught behind by Ellie Threlkeld, from newbie Sophia Turner. Bethan Ellis scored two more ‘fours’ from the same over, to clinch victory.

In summary, both sides batters scored collectively at a strike rate of more than one-run-per-ball. The main difference was that Lightning’s star Australian Spinner Piepa Cleary took three decisive wickets whereas most Thunder bowlers took at least one wicket each.

Result: (Group A) Loughborough Lightning 155/5 (18.5/20 overs, target 153) beat Lancashire Thunder 152/5 (20 overs) by 5 wickets

Lightning 155/5 (18.5/20 overs, 8.23 runs-per-over) Tammy Beaumont 59 runs (from 38 balls), Kathryn Bryce 29(20), Ella Claridge 24(18), Bethan Ellis 19(14); Thunder bowling: Alex Hartley 1/13, Phoebe Graham 1/19, Sophia Turner 1/24,  Laura Jackson 1/26, Hannah Jones 1/27;

Thunder 152/5 (20 overs, 7.6 runs-per-over) Georgie Boyce 71(56), Emma Lamb 56(49) Lightning bowling: Piepa Cleary’s (3/34), Josie Groves (1/22).

Scorecard and statistics at URL https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/charlotte-edwards-cup-2022-1298049/lightning-vs-thunder-group-a-1298061/full-scorecard

Previous match was on 26 June when SE Stars won at Nottingham by 6 wickets (with 41 balls remaining)

*‘Stars’ Bryony Smith (16 runs from 12 balls) joined by Alice Capsey (38 from 28) kept the run-rate ticking around 7 runs-per-over

*After 10 overs (mid-way) ‘Stars’ were 71/2

*Second partnership was built between Alice Davidson-Richards and Tash Farrant, until Farrant was stumped after the 100-ball benchmark at 131/5

*Alice Davidson Richards finished on 41*(25) launching two crowd-pleasing ‘sixes’ from Grace Ballinger’s ‘death’ over.

*’Lightning’ lost both openers to catches by both Alice’s: firstly opener Bethany Harmer was caught for a second ball duck by Alice Capsey, off Tash Farrant

*Secondly, Sonia Odera (12) was caught by Alice Davidson-Richards.

*’Lightning’s’ 1st ‘fifty’ came in 43 balls

*Bowling her 2nd over, Alice Capsey’s first ball clean-bowled Lucy Higham (4); at which point the required-run-rate started to escalate from 10 runs-per-over

*At the half-way point, ‘Lightning’ were 65/3, slipping back to 115/5 by the 100 ball benchmark

*Beyond that point, ‘Stars’ could be confident of a win.

*Bowling the ‘death over’ Alice Capsey was hit defiantly for ‘six’ by Sophie Munro (17)

*Munro was judged ‘leg before’ to Capsey’s penultimate ball, handing Alice Capsey her bonus wicket

Result: ‘SE Stars’ 175/6 beat ‘Lightning’ 147/7 by 28 runs

‘Stars’ 175/6 (20 ov. 8.75 runs-per-over) Alice Davidson Richards 41*runs (from 25 balls), Alice Capsey 38(28), Tash Farrant 35(18), Bryony Smith 16(12); ‘Lightning’ bowling: Sonia Odera 2/20, Sophie Munro 2/30, Lucy Higham 1/17, Grace Ballinger 1/31; Fow 1-22, 2-49, 3-72, 4-80, 5-132, 6-144

‘Lightning’ 147/7 (20 ov. 7.35 r.p.o) Abigail Freeborn 61(50), Shachi Pai 24(18), Sophie Munro 17(8); ‘Stars’ bowling: Bryony Smith 2/18, Tash Farrant 2/25, Alice Capsey 2/28, Kalea Moore 1/7; Fow 1-1, 2-25, 3-54, 4-79, 5-109, 6-119, 7-146

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/charlotte-edwards-cup-2021-1252410/south-east-stars-vs-lightning-group-a-1252423/full-scorecard

Scores:
Lightning 259-5; Thunder 125 – Lightning win by 134 runs

Lightning had suffered from two drawbacks in the past: a top order that wasn’t producing the runs and a lower order that wasn’t producing the runs. At Chester Boughton Hall both elements came good.

Tammy Beaumont looked a class apart; her opening partner Sarah Bryce took a while to get going, but added 74 with her. Then sister Kathryn Bryce took root, adding another 102 for the 2nd wicket.

It needed a remarkable catch from Alex Hartley to dismiss the England opener. Ecclestone at last lured her into an unwise shot; the ball skied behind Hartley at deep mid-off, she turned, pirouetted, fell and clung on. Although Abi Freeborn and Sonia Odedra went cheaply, Teresa Graves and Lucy Higham kept productive company with their skipper, pushing the total to a demanding 259-5.

Once more Ecclestone looked in total command, completing an analysis (see below) that, against such a big total, was quite astonishing.

Thunder started cautiously, Emma Lamb and Georgie Boyce needing nearly 13 overs to reach 39. But now it was Gordon’s turn. She immediately found a line and length that proved too demanding for a sequence of batters; the occasional ball sat up and talked. She bowled Boyce and Ellie Threlkeld in the same over. With Teresa Graves and Lucy Higham causing problems too, Thunder’s innings soon resembled a dismasted sailing boat.

Only Hartley’s late burst of idiosyncratic bat-swinging (26) delayed the inevitable. So Lightning gained a heartening first victory of the new season.

We have one more round next weekend before other forms of cricket take precedence.

Top performances

Beaumont 89
K. Bryce 74
Lamb 42
Graves 31*
Gordon 10-4-23-4
Ecclestone 10-2-23-2
Higham 7-2-10-3

Table after 3 rounds ​               W​     L​     Pts

Central Sparks​​                             3​      0​      13

Northern Diamonds                   ​2​      1​        9

SE Stars​​                                        2​       1​        9

Southern Vipers                         ​2​        1​        9

Lightning​​                                     1​        2        5

Western Storm​​                           1        ​2​       4

Thunder   ​​                                     1​        2​       4

Sunrisers​​                                      0​        3​       0

The game kicks off at 12pm, and forms part of a double header with the Loughborough Students RFC, who play Birmingham Mosely RFC in the National 1 Division at 3pm.

With lots of takeaways from last week’s game against Firwood Waterloo Lightning will look to be clinical in both defence and attack for the full 80 minutes. Lightning will need to not be complacent, making sure that they do the basics well, as Worcester will look to attack from all over the pitch and apply the pressure from the start.

This week sees a few changes to the Lightning line-up with a host of the newly announced England U20 squad appearing in the team sheet. Of those named, Amelia Harper, Ella Wyrwas and Anya Richmond all step up into the starting line-up as Lightning look to take another win against bottom of the table Worcester Valkyries.

Commenting on the game this week, Head Coach Rhys Edwards said: “Going into round eight of the Tyrrells premier 15s it’s going to be another challenge of trying to maintain our standards. We had a big tough first half against Waterloo last week and a couple of mistakes from us allowed them to score two good tries, so it is important that we take control of the game a lot earlier this week and dictate where the game goes. Like any team if we give Worcester the opportunity to attack they will come as us hard and have ability to score tries. They have some very dangerous players in Lydia Thompson and great leader in Lark Davies so the challenges are the same. There are a couple of changes to the team this week and it is an opportunity for players to get game time and show what they can do on the pitch before the Saracen’s game in three weeks’ time.”

Lightning will kick-off the double header at 12.00pm, followed by the Loughborough Students RFC at 3pm.  If you can’t make the game make sure you tune into the Lightning Twitter account for live updates.

For further info click here.

Lightning line-up

1) Mags Lowish
2) Leah Bartlett
3) Daleaka Menin
4) Cath O’Donnell
5) Anya Richmond
6) Becky Noon
7) Amelia Harper
8) Jo Brown
9) Ella Wyrwas
10) Katy Daley-Mclean
11) Charlotte Pearce
12) Natasha Jones
13) Carys Williams
14) Bethan Zeidler
15) Olivia Jones

Replacements

16) Emily Tuttosi
17) Amy Needham
18) Maryke Penman
19) Georgia Bradley
20) Megan Davey
21) Hannah Phillip
22) Ellen Ramsbottom

Courtesy of Loughborough University Press Office

Sharks appeared to have little bite as Lightning struck within the first few minutes of the match with Alejandro getting her name on the score sheet. Daley-Mclean cleanly slotted the conversion to go 7 points ahead. Within the first ten minutes Lightning had doubled their score with Jones adding to the total and Daley-Mclean hitting cleanly once more.

In a well worked play, Lightning pushed forward scrambling across the line to make their third try before the twenty minute mark. It was player of the match Brown who scored. Daley-Mclean made it three conversions from three to take the score to 21-0.

Lightning outplayed their rivals with some rapid feet and quick exchanges. Before long, another maximum was added to the scoreboard. This time it was O’Donnell who danced through the Sharks defensive line to extend the lead to 28.

Lightning denied Sharks from getting past the half way line. This pressure lead to multiple clinical plays leading to a further two tries before the half drew to a close. Tuttosi and Noon the scorers. Daley-Mclean converted one out of the two opportunities to take the score to 40-0.

At the half time mark Lightning were comfortably 40 points ahead of Sharks who were still yet to score. It was a dominant first half seeing six tries which ensured Lightning would achieve the elusive bonus point that will be crucial towards the latter part of the season.

The second half saw more of the same. Continuing their fine form Lightning dominated the match bullying Sharks off the ball.

Pearce slithered through the back line to get her first try of the day. Daley-Mclean returns to her perfected kicking form, 7 points added. 47-0. In a matter of moments Pearce drove across the line for her second try. Again, Daley-Mclean slotted home.

Playing confidently Lightning utilised their replacements well as Zeidler instantly made her mark as she scored with her first touch of the game.

An impressive performance by Lightning saw the scoreboard tick over to 59-0. In the final ten minutes a penalty kick was awarded to Sharks who successfully converted the kick to take the score 59-3. The score remained 59-3 as the final whistle blew.

After today’s results, Lightning are the only unbeaten team remaining as they go top of the Tyrells Premier 15’s table. Lightning will look to extend their table topping lead next week when they face Firwood Waterloo Ladies away.

Head Coach Rhys Edwards commented: “ It’s always great to get that many points on the board. I thought the first half  allowed us to really put pressure on DMP and get some really good scores. We showed great composure across a lot of aspects of the game. We had some really strong set pieces and strong defence in a lot of phases which led us to score. Our variance in the way we scored was also good.

The challenge at half time was to kick on and at times I thought we did it really well but towards the end we fizzled out which allowed DMP to score. Frustrating, but, all in all to get 59 points on the board in any game is really positive and puts us in a really strong position.”

Courtesy of Loughborough

Lightning (Photo: Stillsport.com)

As one of the new teams to enter the league in its inaugural year, Lightning walked out on the pitch with a steely determination to prove themselves as the ones to watch this season. Boasting a handful of internationals and under the watchful eye of Head Coach Rhys Edwards the girls secured their victory comfortably after recording eight tries in their opening match.

Just four minutes of the game had passed before Lightning added their first points to the board, with England 7’s star Olivia Jones sprinting over the line to dot the ball down; a sensational try that was then seamlessly converted by centre Florence Williams.

Just eight minutes passed before Lightning once again rejoiced as newcomer and talent transfer athlete Bethan Zeidler doubled Lightning’s lead in her first game of 15s after making the switch from Sprint Kayak.

Loughborough Lightning vs Worcester Valkyries (Photo by David Crawford / www.stillsport.com)

Despite the increasing score line Worcester looked to seize an opportunity as Rebecca Herring impressed crowds with her skills, Lightning however were less than phased and continued to apply pressure causing vital errors in the oppositions attack.

A knock-on from Worcester saw Lightning capitalize, recording their third try of the game, Olivia Jones claiming a brace in her opening match for the side. A surge of energy in lightning’s attack then saw another try, this time from fly-half Natasha Jones as she fired over the line.

A floundering opposition seemed to regroup and recover quickly however strong defence from Lightning’s Mag Lowish, turned the ball back in their favour and opened up the field for Charlotte Pearce to score their fifth try of the day from the half-way line.

Half time Lightning 29 – 0 Worcester Valkyries

The second half opened up with competitive play from both sides, Worcester fighting tooth and nail to rewrite the first 40 minutes. Neither side were able to make it to the line for the first 16 minutes until Lightning’s replacement prop Ofure Ugiagbe shrugged off a resistant Worcester and thundered towards the line to begin the second half scores. Clean conversions from fly-half Natasha Jones added yet more points to the board much to the dismay of the opposition.

Player of the Match Olivia Jones (photo: Stillsport.com)

Ten minutes later the final quarter of the match saw Lucy Nye increase the lead and bring the score to 41 – 0. Despite a widening lead, Worcester failed to back down and a yellow card for Lightning’s Emma Hardy gave them a much needed boost to finally push over the line, scoring their first points of the game.

Quick fire retaliation from Lightning treated the crowd to their final try of the day from England 7’s Celia Quansah who found a hole in the corner to dot the ball down. A final flurry from Worcester closed the game with another try after Lightning’s Lucy Nye was awarded a yellow for a high tackle.

Full time Lightning 46 – 12 Worcester Valkyries 

A standout performance from England 7’s Olivia Jones saw her claim the Player of the Match award after scoring a brace of tries;

“I absolutely loved it today; the girls have been so supportive as I’ve only been here a week, so to come in and get the support from all the girls, to set the platform and put the marker in the sand today was great fun. It was definitely important to have a strong game today we now want to mark that platform so we can push on, this is just a start.”

Head Coach Rhys Edwards shared his elation at the team’s first outing;

“Half time was a case of ‘this is a good start but we need to kick on’ and we were a bit flat in the second half which was disappointing but as a first game, first opportunity and the first time these girls have played together it’s a fantastic start, I couldn’t have asked for a better opener.

This was our chance to see where we are as a team and we now have those areas that we can work on, defence in particular and our discipline, but in general we have a solid starting point and we can only get better.”

Lightning are back in action this weekend, travelling away to Allianz Park to face Saracens in round 2 of the Tyrrells Premier 15s competition. Keep up to date on all the latest news by following us on Twitter @LightningRugby.

Stats:

Loughborough Lightning

Tries: 8

Conversions: 4

Penalties: 0

Worcester Valkyries

Tries: 2

Conversions: 1

Penalties: 0

Player of the Match: Olivia Jones

Referee: Andrew Wiggly

Line-Up

1. Katie Trevarthen
2. Leah Bartlett
3. Mags Lowish
4. Carolina Pasquali
5. Sarah Bonar
6. Rachel Malcolm
7. Becky Noon
8. Olivia Jones
9. Jenny Maxwell
10. Natasha Jones
11. Celia Quansah
12. Florence Williams
13. Hannah Phillip
14. Bethan Zeidler
15. Charlotte Pearce

Replacements

16. Scarlett Cooper-Wall
17. Ofure Ugiagbe
18. Anna Page
19. Laura Hind
20. Lucy Nye
21. Emma Hardy
22. Lizzie Adam

Report courtesy of Loughborough Lightning