Smith proud as Lightning ‘took the game to Gloucester-Hartpury’

Head coach Nathan Smith was proud of his Loughborough Lightning side for taking the game to the two-time defending Premiership Women’s Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury.

While the hosts picked up maximum points with a 36-19 victory at sub zero temperatures at Kingsholm Stadium on Saturday afternoon, once more they showed their ability to compete with teams competing for the top-four places in Premiership Women’s Rugby.

“You’re at Gloucester, you know you are up against it, they have the best squad depth in the league and you are playing a team at the peak of their cycle,” said Smith. “We have come here and really taken the game to them, but unfortunately it’s just not enough to come away with any points.

“We created some great opportunities, we played in the right areas of the field in the second half.

Lightning went up against a Gloucester-Hartpury side that featured all ten of their players called up to the first Red Roses squad of 2025 and trailed 19-5 at the break, with Bulou Mataitoga landing their only try.

Mataitoga and Alev Kelter also crossed after the break which gave Lightning hope of securing points from the game, but the hosts showed their pedigree to match their first-half tally of three tries in the second half too. 

“There were some things out of our control that didn’t go our way at key moments that were extremely frustrating, but we can only focus on what we can control and there were definitely things we can improve on both sides of the ball,” added Smith.

“There’s huge developments from the team. Amelia Williams came on against Maud Muir and was really impressive, we have not conceded any penalties against one of the best scrummaging tightheads in the world. The last time we met we were dominated in that area so Amelia’s progress is indicative of the progress we have made.”

Mataitoga’s brace of tries were her first points of the season as she first showed incredible athleticism to reach over in the first half, before adding a second which saw her rip free the ball from a Gloucester carrier before burning down the right wing untouched.

“Baz has been playing really, really well,” added Smith. “I have been really impressed with her. She is very industrious off the wing, she is always working and looking for opportunities. She got a couple of tries today and probably could’ve got herself a hattrick. Her performances are growing week on week.”

Next up for Lightning is another match against a team firmly in the fight for the playoffs as Exeter Chiefs visit cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday 19 January (kick-off: 3pm) – tickets are available by clicking HERE.

It is Lightning’s penultimate home game of the 2024/25 season and their head coach is keen to bounce back with a third win in four games.

He said: “We will be going hard after it, as I am sure Exeter will be because they will want to secure their top four place. It should be a great game of rugby.”