NETBALL: Sleaford club teams shine at Boston tournament

The morning saw both Sleaford sides in the same group, meaning they would inevitably meet at some point, however this did not phase either side.

Hurricanes started the morning well with two very good wins, not allowing the opposition to even score, whilst Lightning also enjoyed a very impressive start, winning their first games.

Hurricanes continued as they meant to go on, winning all their games with intent and qualifying for the top group. Lightning also qualified for the top group, only losing to their fellow Sleaford side and drawing against Boston Netball Club.

Hurricanes continued their winning form throughout the afternoon. Rivals Boston, previously falling to Hurricanes in the morning, wanted to stamp their mark on the Sleaford side in the afternoon and challenged them in the first half by drawing at half-time. However, Hurricanes pulled up their socks and put the foot down in the second half with some tight defence, quick ball movement and slick shooting to win by 10 goals. Lightning were definitely the comeback queens on the sunny afternoon in Boston and were involved in some highly competitive netball. Having already lost to Hurricanes in the afternoon, Lightning wanted the runner-up spot and this meant having to beat Lincoln City and Boston.

Against Lincoln City, the girls started slowly, struggling to find their rhythm, however following some stern words from coach Hall at half-time, they came back from five goals down to claim the draw.

A very similar story followed in the last game of the day when Lightning faced Boston. The girls started well but following a few passing and shooting errors, Boston had the lead going into half-time.

The second half was probably the best netball the girls had played all day as they started chipping away at Boston’s lead with some full court defence and accurate shooting. Leah Winson claimed an almighty intercept with seconds to go, and Megan Frost shot the goal that would make the final result a draw.

Lightning claimed overall third, just losing out to Boston Netball Club who took second, whilst Hurricanes continued their winning campaign till the very end and won the overall tournament.