But Lightning’s C team put in a sterling effort in this Les Varendes clash, the only inter-club Premier Division match of the Winter League’s opening week, to lose by a narrow 56-50 margin.
Significantly, Lightning had been the side setting the pace initially.
Former champions Blaze took time to settle into the game and so the underdogs – who are in only their second Prem season – were able to create an impressive 16-9 lead in the first quarter.
Lightning shooter Sophia Roger, as part a circle rotation with Grace Phillips and Belle Otty, could barely miss and would come away with a deserved player-of-the-match nomination.
Orla Montgomery was another standout performer, driving the centre court forward and picking up valuable intercepts.
But Blaze got on a roll in the run to half-time, with Eva Bourgaize and Georgia Gray firing them to level at 28.
Blaze came through quarter three leading 43-41, and so were not quite out of the woods yet, but Lightning could not call upon the physicality and composure they needed and so only ended up taking the one point from the match.
Blaze GD Joss Carre proved particularly effective and took away POM for her efforts.
She was among the former Blaze B players returning from university to bolster their squad.
GK Ella Staples, one of Blaze’s more experienced players, welcomed them back and took some positives from the surprisingly competitive game.
‘Once the early nerves disappeared, we played some excellent netball,’ she said.
‘We had strong partnership and movement in the shooting circle.
‘We maintained composure in a very close contest and did not panic when the scores were neck-and-neck.
‘It was an enjoyable and competitive game against the new Specs team. Special mention to Sophia for Specs for her shooting, missing hardly any shots throughout the game.’
Storm coach Donna Brehaut was ‘really pleased’ with how her girls performed.
‘They pushed Blaze all the way,’ she said.
‘We have opted to provide a predominantly U19 team this year, supported by experienced players Grace Phillips and Emily Mills for development purposes, and I am really excited about what they can do this season.’
In the other Les Varendes match slot, new addition Allegra Slater proved her worth as ZenZero Orange downed their Black team 50-36.
The tall GK earned POM in a game where they built a healthy 24-14 lead over the first half.
The teams added 12 goals apiece in a close third quarter, but Orange used their experience to win the final stanza and seal off the victory. GD Erin Le Huray earned POM for Black.
Reigning Cup champions Lightning Strike opened their campaign with a club game of their own at St Sampson’s High, dominating B team Flash 75-21.
Flash welcomed in three newcomers to the top flight and put in a good fight during quarter one, which they lost 13-7.
Strike rotated their squad through the match and showed their strength in depth to dominate the following periods, including leads of 35-11 and 54-18.
Returning university student Amy Le Tocq showed her versatility across the three mid-court positions and shared POM honours with one of Flash’s more experienced players, Kiara Walsh, who stood out in attack. Flash’s Holly Cutter impressed in the other circle.
‘A great first game back for strike, building on our work in pre-season,’ captain Brehaut added.
‘I thought we were clinical down court and were direct to goal. It was a really positive performance and definitely one we can build on.’
