After a dramatic, high-intensity East Midlands derby, Nottingham Forest Netball recorded a 73-71 win against Loughborough Lightning at the Motorpoint Arena. A statement win for Forest, with fans on their feet as our team claimed another memorable home victory in the Super League.
First Quarter
Forest Netball opened the match with the centre pass, looking to settle quickly and feed into the shooting circle. Despite Loughborough Lightning’s strong defensive pressure from the whistle, Forest managed to convert the first goal of the game. Lightning responded swiftly, showcasing sharp attacking play and rapid ball movement into their circle, capitalising on their own opportunities. While Lightning’s defensive unit looked composed, Forest remained resilient, making the most of their centre pass advantages. A crucial interception by Lightning’s goalkeeper inside Forest’s circle turned into a seamless transition up court, ending in a well-taken goal for the visitors. The first ten minutes proved tightly contested, with Forest edging ahead 9–8 in what was a back-and-forth battle marked by even possession and high-intensity netball. Forest’s goal attack Rhea Dixon made her mark with the game’s first super shot, pushing our side further in front. By consistently capitalising on our super shot opportunities, Forest extended their lead, finishing the opening quarter with a 23–19 advantage.
Second Quarter
Loughborough Lightning opened the second quarter with an early goal, but Nottingham Forest quickly looked to respond. A sharp interception by the Forest’s wing attack in the centre third momentarily brought the momentum our way, though the chance slipped away as the resulting shot on goal missed its mark. WA Iona Christian continued to impress, with smooth transitions into the circle and setting up GS Rolene Streutker, who remained clinical under the post. At the opposite end, Forest’s defensive unit, GK Jayda Pechova held firm against Lightning’s attacking waves, applying consistent pressure. A quick interception from Lightning goalkeeper Alice Harvey disrupted Forest’s rhythm momentarily, prompting a tactical timeout. The pause proved pivotal, as Forest appeared reenergised with a sharper attacking mindset. The match up between Iona Christian and shooters Rolene Streutker and Rhea Dixon worked well, producing fast, intelligent ball movement and steady goal conversions. With five minutes remaining, Forest held a narrow 32–30 lead. As pressure mounted, Forest’s goalkeeper produced a vital rebound interception, converting it into a crucial goal to maintain their edge. In the dying seconds of the quarter, Streutker delivered another standout moment, a super shot to close the half with Forest narrowly ahead, 40–37.
The first half proved an intense contest, with both sides showcasing dominance in patches and leaving everything on the court.
Third Quarter
The third quarter began with renewed intensity as Loughborough Lightning came out strong closing the gap on Forest’s narrow half time lead. Their attacking unit looked sharper and more assertive, piling on pressure, and testing Forest’s defensive resilience. However, Forest’s goalkeeper Jayda Pechova delivered a game-changing moment with a crucial interception deep in the defensive third, sparking a counterattack that resulted in a much-needed goal. The play energised Forest, injecting fresh momentum into their game. Rhea Dixon’s composure and accuracy under the post helped stabilise Forest’s scoring rhythm, while the team’s defensive efforts in Lightning’s shooting circle proved effective in slowing down their opponents. Forest maintained a high tempo and intensity throughout the quarter, with quick movements and coordinated play across all thirds of the court. Yet Lightning continued to utilise their centre pass advantages, executing their plays slowly closing in on Forest’s lead. As the clock went down, the game evolved into a nail-biting contest, with both teams exchanging goals. Lightning managed to inch ahead, ending the quarter with a slender 59–58 lead.
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter began with Forest immediately capitalising on an interception from Loughborough Lightning’s centre pass, converting the turnover into the first goal of the quarter. With renewed intensity Forest surged forward, determined to reclaim the lead. Our defensive line stepped up at a crucial moment, with our goal defence making a key interception in Lightning’s attacking third to deny a scoring opportunity. As the tension in the arena grew, the Forest crowd became lively as Forest's attacking rhythm clicked once again. With just five minutes to play, we edged ahead 68–65. A final tactical timeout allowed Forest to regroup and refocus. Pechova, whose presence at goalkeeper proved pivotal down the stretch. In the final moments of the match, Rolene Streutker delivered once more amazing super shot that stretched Forest’s lead. A crucial rebound off a missed Lightning attempt secured Forest possession, and with it, the match. The final whistle blew with the score 73–71 to Forest.
Goalkeeper Pechova was named player of the match with 10 gains, three interceptions and four deflections. A crucial player in today's victory.