Lightning learned the lessons of recent setbacks to put the pieces of the jigsaw together and secure a sensational 43-33 victory over Harlequins.
That was the view of head coach Nathan Smith, who had seen his side fall to successive defeats despite taking two‑score leads entering the second half against both Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks. But there was to be no third instalment of heartbreak on Friday night.
Across a gripping contest at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, the African Violets registered seven tries, and while a ten‑point half‑time lead was momentarily cut in half during the second period, they kept their attacking game flowing to eventually cruise home to take maximum points and keep alive hopes of a late surge into the Premiership Women’s Rugby top four with just four fixtures remaining this season.
“I am really proud of the group,” said Smith. “We have really learned from the last two games and put that out there on the field. We learned with our game management, controlling momentum swings, and that was far, far better than it has been over the last two games.
“But what was unaffected – and has been consistent over the last two games – is the way we have played rugby.
Winger Bo Westcombe‑Evans claimed the Built for Athletes player‑of‑the‑match award after scoring a hat‑trick and proving a constant thorn in Harlequins’ side.
“Bo was on fire,” added Smith. “She has played within herself so far this season, which is understandable given the major injury she suffered. But on Friday night she was back to where she was pre‑injury. I think myself, the coaching team and the playing group always knew it was there, but she put it on the field and she should be exceptionally happy with her performance.”
Once again, the Friday Night Lights fixture proved a winner for Lightning, who picked up a five‑point haul just as they did in the concluding game of the 2024/25 season, when Trailfinders Women were edged out in another high‑scoring encounter.
“I think it is special playing on Friday nights at cinch Stadium,” explained Smith. “You see the traction the lads [Northampton Saints] get on a Friday night, and it has been similar with the ladies – attracting our biggest crowds and producing our best games to watch. It was Trailfinders at home last season that went down to a drop‑goal, and that was our best performance of the season.”
Lightning are back at cinch Stadium on Sunday 22 March – tickets are available by clicking HERE – when defending champions Gloucester‑Hartpury are the visitors (kick-off: 12.15pm).
Buoyed by a morale‑boosting victory, Smith is looking forward to the circus coming to town in Round 15.
He said: “We are excited for the challenge against Gloucester. We know how strong they are, but if we can put a performance like that together again, we can threaten anyone.”