Peel Lightning struggle to find their groove with two consecutive losses

Peel Lightning have plunged to the bottom of the ladder after recording two losses in rounds 8 and 9 of the WANL season.

Last Tuesday’s clash saw the Lightning up against a confident Rangers at Gold Netball Centre, following their one-point upset over ladder leaders West Coast Warriors.

Both sides went goal for goal throughout most of the opening term, matching their intensity and pressure, until the Rangers began to pull away late to lead 16-11 at quarter-time.

With quick driving and consistent shooting by Molly Warne and Abbey Hicks, Lightning showed promising signs early in the second, but the Rangers held strong with goals via Georgia Pitt, and impressive defence from Claire Pickerill and Ashleigh Howat, to extend their lead to 36-20 at half-time.

The Rangers continued their momentum in the second half, putting up 29 goals to Peel’s 20 and running away with a 25-goal victory, the final score 65-40.

Lightning were back on the court just a few days later on Friday, for their round 9 clash against a dominant West Coast Warriors at Gold Netball Centre.

Peel put up a fight in the first half, keeping up with the Warriors’ attacking plays and trailing by just five goals at half-time.

It was the Warriors’ third quarter efforts that helped set up the win, putting up 15 goals to Peel’s five.

The final quarter was even playing ground with both sides sinking nine goals each, but it was too little too late for Lightning as the final score finished at 50-35.

Meanwhile, in the 20-and-under competition, the Rangers managed to edge out a top-of-the-table Lightning 60-55.

Round 10 will see Peel Lightning host the Curtin Hamersley Comets at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre on June 25.