Lightning strike the first big blow
LIGHTNING A struck a huge win on Tuesday night to gain a firmer footing in the budding Premier Division title race.
In the first of this season’s showdowns between the ‘big three’ teams, they conquered Blaze A quite convincingly, 39-27 at Grammar School.
The significance of that was not lost on captain Donna Brehaut.
Previously named T&T Purple, Lightning occupied an awkward middle ground last season – their challenges against top sides Blaze A and Rezzers Green always fell short, even if they did not lose to any other team.
Though it is still early days in the new title race, Brehaut has taken great confidence from beating Blaze.
‘We’re obviously delighted to get the win so early on, but it’s far too early to say in terms of the league or anything like that,’ she said.
‘Hopefully we’ve proven that we can compete with the top three.’
Lightning’s biggest development? Their defensive circle.
Beyond Lorna Hall’s strong showing, Anais Flatres was in stellar form on Tuesday, while the particularly athletic Sammie Cox is another exciting option to have.
‘To have options in defence – we had Sammie on the bench and she got player-of-the-match last week – that’s the difference for us, and to have a strong bench as well that we can bring on to change the game,’ Brehaut added.
‘Our squad is definitely stronger this year and every game’s going to be difficult, but we would like to think that we can compete in the top three.’
The ‘big three’ motif continues next Tuesday as Blaze face champions Rezzers Green.
Match report in Thursday's Guernsey Press.
