Lightning ’extremely competitive’ in loss to leaders Exeter, says Smith

Loughborough Lightning head coach Nathan Smith believes the scoreboard did not reflect his side’s efforts as they were unable to halt Exeter Chiefs’ winning start to the season.

The hosts entered Sunday’s Sandy Park showdown top of the Premiership Women’s Rugby table after five consecutive victories, and they secured maximum points at Lightning’s expense with a 40-19 success.

But the visitors’ performance was brimming with positives as they remained in the fight to take something from the game until the final whistle, only to fall just short of match points with Laura Keates, Krissy Scurfield and Kathryn Treder grabbing their tries along with two Emily Scarratt conversions.

“We got off to a poor start, we were bit soft in the middle in the first 20,” said Smith, whose side conceded two tries in the opening ten minutes in Devon.

“Apart from that, we have been extremely competitive. It is a far better performance than we put in this time last year here, the scoreline doesn’t reflect the performance but ultimately you get what you deserve, unfortunately.”

Lightning had the opportunity to close the gap to one score before half-time but a dramatic momentum swing saw Exeter turnover a maul on their own line and ultimately score a fourth try of their own to open a 26-7 lead at the interval, which became 33-7 ten minutes after the restart. 

“There was a couple of moments in the game if it had gone the other way, the scoreline is a lot closer. They had a kick through in the bottom right-hand corner that was difficult. Hopefully we learn from it.

“We should take the positives. We have shown some really good phases in defence, we defended our own line on numerous occasions and had some really good phases in attack. Setpiece wise we have been pretty good as well. You know it is getting better.

The moment of the match came from Krissy Scurfield in the second half when the Canadian, in just her second Lightning match, landed a memorable first try for the club from an attack that started inside her own 22.

“Krissy is still learning, that’s the brilliant thing,” explained Smith. “I spoke to her this week about actually going on the outside of someone because she’s the fastest player in the league. She did that today. She is a bit like the rest of the squad, there’s a lot of growing to do but I don’t want to keep saying that, I want to turn some of the growth into points on the board.”

Lightning’s next opportunity to do that is the East Midlands Derby with Leicester Tigers at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday 23 November (kick-off: 2pm). Tickets are available priced from £7.50* adults and £3* juniors by clicking HERE.

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