Dragons Struck By Lightning In Netball Superleague Clash

Loughborough Lightning 74, Celtic Dragons 44

Celtic Dragons were struck by in-form Lightning in their Vitality Superleague Netball clash.

Leaders Loughborough have had a highly successful season so far, while Dragons have struggled to turn competitive team performances into wins.

But the Welsh team have stuck together, stayed upbeat and are intent on finishing the season in style.

Dragons have home matches against Wasps and Team Northumbrian to play, both at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.

Wasps are the visitors next Saturday (4pm), while Northumbria come to South Wales a week later (2pm).

Captain Suzy Drane and her Dragons team started well at the Sir David Wallace arena. They were quick with the first ball, but failed to net and Peace Proscovia made quick work of sinking the first net of the game.

The home team gathered momentum, but Dragons found their rhythm and worked on shortening the Lightning lead.

Captain Natalie Panagarry was in commanding form and after the first quarter Loughborough led 17-12.

They extended that advantage with a powerful second quarter, winning the session 24-7, but Dragons stayed strong in terms of character and team spirit.

Loughborough have been the outstanding Superleague team so far this season and their players are brimming with confidence.

Dragons were trailing by 30 points going into the final quarter, but there was no lack of intensity from Dragons and their work ethic was spot on.

They could not narrow Lightning’s lead, but the quarter ended 14-14 and that, at least, is a small positive.

Dragons now focus on their remaining two fixtures in the 2017 season, both at home.

Lightning starting seven: GS Proscovia, GA Clark, WA Joseph, C Panagarry, WD Cobden, GD Trip, GK Gibbons.

Celtic Dragons starting seven: GK Morgan, GD Rideout, WD Drane, C Jones, WA Dyke, GA McCollin, GS Roberts.

Quarter scores (Lightning first) 17-12; 24-7 (41-19); (19-11) 60-30; 74-44 (14-14).

Vitality Superleague Netball 

Celtic Dragons’ two remaining fixtures are both at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff.

May

Saturday 27: Celtic Dragons v Wasps (4pm)

June

Saturday 3: Celtic Dragons v Team Northumbria (2pm)

Tickets for Dragons home games can be found at www.ticketline.co.uk

Information is available via celticdragonsnetball.com