Smith sees Lightning progress but harsh lessons learned in London

Loughborough Lightning head coach Nathan Smith saw signs of progress in his side’s loss to Trailfinders Women but also admitted some harsh lessons were learned by his young group.

Despite scoring five tries and picking up a bonus point in Sunday’s Premiership Women’s Rugby Round 2 clash in Ealing, it was the hosts who took maximum points doubling Lightning’s try count in a 64-33 victory.

“There were some shoots of development there, but ultimately ten metres out in defence we were just too soft,” said Smith. “I appreciate we have a very young side at the moment and they probably need to understand how hard you’ve got to work defensively but also how physical you have got to be to really protect your line.

For a second week running, the Lightning matchday squad was packed with milestone makers as Evelyn Clarke, Ellie Tromans and Issy Winter made their first PWR starts.

Lucy Finch also made her first PWR appearance from the bench, just four days after appearing for Loughborough University in BUCS action.

“Lucy captained the university team at Durham and played extremely well and got 15-20 minutes against Trailfinders, and so did Katherine Baverstock,” explained the Lightning boss. “We are delighted for them in terms of getting appearances for both the university and PWR this week.”

Alicia Maude and Amelia Williams got their first tries for Lightning alongside efforts from Daisy Hibbert-Jones and Carmela Morrall. Also getting on the scoresheet was Francesca Goldthorp with a mazy second-half effort on the occasion of her second debut for the club.

“I had no doubt in my mind she was going to play well,” added Smith on Goldthorp. “She should be playing well at this level with this many international players away, and should be the star player. 

“The most impressive part is she has settled in really well with the group and is a good person. She wants to work hard and she wants the group to develop which is only good in the long run.”

Ahead of Saturday’s Round 3 clash with Sale Sharks at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens (kick-off: 2pm), Lightning are set to welcome back many of their international absentees who have been participating in WXV 1 and WXV 2.

“We need experience,” said Smith. “At the end of the day, that backline is very inexperienced. Even just putting one experienced player in there would help massively in terms of decision making and communication chains. 

“We are looking forward to having some players back but that’s not to devalue the younger players have done. It is an unfair position for me to throw them all in and expect it to be seamless. Having the experienced players returning will lift everybody as we build into the Sale game.”

Tickets for the Sale match are available priced from £7.50* adults and £3* children by clicking HERE.

* All tickets are subject to a £1.50 booking fee.