Lightning managed conditions best in Tigers win, says Beckett

The way Loughborough Lightning managed the wild weather conditions was key to them securing maximum points in the East Midlands Derby against Leicester Tigers.

That was the view of assistant coach Charlie Beckett, as the African Violets claimed a 36-24 victory – their first in this head-to-head contest at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, on Saturday afternoon.

“We like to play from deep, as we saw from Krissy Scurfield's try away at Exeter, in conditions like we had against Tigers, I think it would’ve been silly,” said Beckett.

“I thought Helena Rowland and Helen Nelson were exceptional, first of all with their kick selection was excellent, the timing of the kick and when to play. 

Lightning entered the Premiership Women’s Rugby Round 7 contest having produced two encouraging displays on the road to Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs, but returned home empty handed from two losses.

”It was hugely important to win,” added Beckett. “We had some brilliant performances and some brilliant moments in the last two games. I know they were two losses but there was some real incremental growth from the start of the season, however, we didn't take any points from them. We are in a business of results and at some point, you have got to start picking up points, you can’t just be saying ’that was a good performance, we will get them next week’. 

“I think the girls knew that. We didn’t really put that on them that much, we didn’t want to add that pressure, but you could tell by the way training was, and the feeling in the group this week, the girls knew a result was important and they delivered.”

Lightning secured the bonus point by half-time against Tigers with Krissy Scurfield, Kendall Waudby, Emily Scarratt and Kathryn Treder all crossing the line.

They added only one more try after the interval and it came from Alev Kelter, on her Lightning debut and return to top-flight rugby in England after previously starring for Saracens in 2022.

Beckett said: “It has been brilliant to have a professional like Alev in the group, a Sevens Olympic medallist, who has played at the top of the game in 15s, she’s won the PWR before in its previous iteration at Saracens, to have that experience around the group is huge. 

“Alev came to me afterwards and said she thought she was a bit rusty. But she grew into the game, you could tell she hadn’t played for a while, but the way she took her try was exceptional. Scaz’s [Emily Scarratt] try was also exceptional, there is a lot of excitement about how that centre partnership will grow moving forward.”

A crowd of more than 1,300 were treated to a great game of rugby, despite the weather conditions being far from ideal.

”The way the match was built up was brilliant,” explained Beckett. “The flame cannons, the music, the whole day here at cinch Stadium was outstanding. 

“It was so great after the game, seeing all the kids getting their signed balls. Little girls, little boys, there was a real community feel here. It means a lot. 

“The girls love coming here, they love playing here. I love coaching here, feeling the support of the crowd and Northampton Saints as an organisation. I think some people think it is an unusual partnership but it works really well and is really beneficial to both sides. We love playing here, we love the crowd, I thought they were outstanding in horrible conditions.”