Yorkshire Jets get off to an absolute flyer

A sell-out crowd packed into the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield for the game which saw Jets Head Coach Anna Carter’s side victorious by 70 points to 44.

More Jets action. Photo by Chris Midgley.

After a nervy start, Jets were quickest to get into their stride with the attacking line-up of Cato and Smith combining well and Potter and Keenan strong in defence. The pressure saw Jets leading 18-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Cato rises above the rest. Photo by Chris Midgley.

Despite a strong five minutes for Lightning in the second, where they scored heavily, Jets had the best of the quarter, adding 15, meaning they went into half-time 33-19 ahead.

Steph Wilson was the only new player on court for Jets after half-time, replacing Jess Shaw who is returning this season from injury. Carter’s side continued to dominate in defence, mid-court and attack, further extending their lead in the third quarter to 20 points with the score 51-31.

Brie Grierson came on for the final quarter which saw no let-up in pressure from Jets who scored 19 points in the final 15 minutes. It left the final score, at the end of an extremely strong performance from Yorkshire Jets, 70-44.

Natalie Haythornthwaite was named player of the match in a season opener which shows Jets were right to be confident ahead of Netball Superleague’s 2015 campaign.

Lottysha Cato. ..WOW! Photo by Chris Midgley.

However new signing, Goal Shooter – Lottysha Cato was the key difference between the teams shooting an incredible 53 for 60 a glorious 88%. She simply dominated her end of the court and if she stays healthy this season good things could lie ahead for the 2015 Yorkshire Jets.

Teams:

Yorkshire Jets

Starting 7: Lottysha Cato (Goal Shooter), Nikala Smith (Goal Attack), Natalie Haythornthwaite (Wing Attack), Jess Shaw (Centre), Sally Butters (Wing Defence), Tuaine Keenan (Goal Defence), Lauren Potter (Captain – Goal Keeper).

Subs: Megan Clark, Brie Grierson, Bea Skingsley, Lydia Walker, Steph Wilson

Loughborough Lightning

Starting 7: Vanessa Walker (Goal Shooter), Maryka Holthausen (Goal Attack), Hannah Joseph (Wing Attack), Rachel Henry (Captain – Centre), Lauren Steadman (Wing Defence), Rachel Forbes (Goal Defence), Phumza Maweni (Goal Keeper)

Subs: Rebekah Airey, Fran Desmond, Flo Edwards, Lauren Massey, Peace Proscovia