League semi-finals in sight for Lightning

Right after title-pushers Lightning A battled past one-time champions Blaze 48-39, their B team struck down close rivals Rezzers Black in a successful Grammar School double-bill for the club.

As the inaugural Deloitte Winter League play-offs approach, both teams are on a clear trajectory – Lightning B have now secured a semi-final spot, almost certainly against champions Rezzers Green, and the A team are anticipating a semi against Blaze.

Tuesday night’s Premier Division clash showed how daunting Blaze can be when firing on all cylinders.

They have struggled with squad issues in recent weeks, but their latest duel showed off their versatility, with converted shooter Abbie Greening working her way to player of the match in her new centre role.

She claimed numerous turnovers, backing up their formidable defence, while their shooters showed great strength under pressure from Lightning. GS Zola Saunders’ experience shone in that role.

But Lightning always had that little bit of breathing room.

They won quarter one 13-9, then came through a very even period to hit half-time 24-20 up.

Previously unavailable WA Steph Batiste got welcome time in mid-court, as did substitute centre Lydia McClean on her return from injury, while at GS they rotated the youth of Immy Giles and experience of Kate Le Maitre.

Their defence, including POM WD Bonnie Le Noury, also constantly hassled the Blaze attack.

Lightning struck hard again in the third quarter to go 39-31 ahead.

But they faced some struggles early in the final stanza, where Blaze cut the deficit with a four-goal scoring run.

A composed finish allowed Donna Brehaut’s side to see out the game.

‘Everyone enjoyed the game and it was good to get a closely-contested game,’ the Lightning captain said.

‘It was good we had our noses in front, but it never felt comfortable.

‘Blaze pulled it back in the final quarter, so I am pleased that we managed to combat that pressure.’

Blaze took one consolation point due to the close scoreline, which was much tighter than their 53-28 loss in the equivalent late November fixture.

Blaze and island player Amy Fallaize called it a ‘really well-contested match’.

‘To be honest I thought the score was closer when we came off at the last quarter than it actually was,’ she said.

‘There was a patch in the last quarter where we got a lot of turnover and I thought we were going to close the gap a bit.’

The netball development officer also welcomed the match-long contributions of Kim Le Lacheur while saying goodbye to shooter Chloe Khaira.

‘It’s great to see Kim get a full game after being out injured for a while, and this was Chloe’s last game for us as she’s moving off-island, so it was great to play with her before she heads off.’

Although Lightning B beat Rezzers Black by a wider margin, 54-42, they took significantly longer to make their break.

The two teams appeared remarkably well-matched in the first three quarters, which ended 15-all, then 29-25 and 37-36 in Lightning’s favour.

But Lightning upped their intensity in the final stanza to run away with the match, denying their rivals any league points.

It is now mathematically impossible for Rezzers to overtake Lightning and secure the last play-off spot.

In-form Lightning GS Emily Kendal added to her stack of POM wins as the recognition for Rezzers went to WD Tracy Lock, a new recruit who has made her mark over the last two months.