WITH the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) season just around the corner after a year-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 enforced cancellation in 2020, Draft Central takes a look at each team, its player list and expectations. The next focus in our series is Loughborough Lightning, with the talented side pushing their case for finals over the past few seasons, but just falling short.

There is no doubt Lightning is one of the teams to watch in the VNSL, with a host of exciting talent coming through the ranks and proving a consistent threat in the competition. With various experienced names returning to the franchise’s ranks and plenty of up-and-coming local talent in the squad, expect an exciting season from the Lightning who have the ability to take one step further this year.

2021 expectations/predictions:

Headed up by England Roses returnee Beth Cobden and a number of other familiar faces, Loughborough Lightning are in an excellent position in season 2021 to push for top spot despite a shaky start to 2020. While the side already boasted plenty of talent, Cobden’s return marks a huge bolster through the centre with the Roses midcourt-defender able to form an extra layer to the side’s smothering defence. Cobden brings with her plenty of elite skills from her time in Australia with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, while her experience playing with captain Nat Panagarry and Hannah Joseph will be instrumental to the side’s success. The midcourt unit is sure to create plenty of movement down court, and while it does not boast a heap of attacking depth – with Joseph and Hannah Williams realistically the only starting wing attacks amongst a group of defensive-minded mids – there is plenty for the side to build on with a little-changed side seeing connections already forged across the board.

Defensively, the combinations between Jas Odeogberin, Annabel Roddy, Alice Harvey and Sam May can only stand to get better, with the entire defensive unit able to combine seamlessly and wreak havoc down back. With plenty of depth, especially looking at the defensive attributes of the midcourt, expect the Lightning to consistently provide that court coverage and aerial ability down back. While the loss of livewire Vicki Oyesola to the Leeds Rhinos certainly hurts, there is no doubt the Lightning have an excellent lineup at their disposal and plenty to prove after their rough start in season 2020.

Players to watch:

The ever-growing combination between Mary Cholhok and Ella Clark has long been a focus for the Lightning, and the duo are set to return in style once again this season. Boasting plenty of height, flair and aerial ability, the dynamic duo are tough to stop when they are on, and while the likes of Cholhok’s holding style can sometimes become predictable for defenders, the towering goal shooter has the ability to reel in the high ball time and again. Clark’s basketball background does wonders for her endurance and long bombs, able to continuously ply her trade out the front and have an impact around the court. Add in developing goalers Lucy Parize and Beth Gabriel, and the exciting front-end for the Lightning is more than capable of holding its own in season 2021.

Team list:

Beth Cobden
Sam May
Annabel Roddy
Beth Gabriel
Lucy Parize
Ella Clark
Mary Cholhok
Hannah Williams
Alice Harvey
Jas Odeogberin
Suzie Liverseidge
Nat Panagarry
Lauren Nicholls
Hannah Joseph

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Loughborough Lightning secure Cobden for 2021