Loughborough Lightning’s home East Midlands Derby victory over Leicester Tigers was ‘special’ according to head coach Nathan Smith.
Lightning ran in eight tries in their 50-15 success at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, with winger Bo Westcombe-Evans landing four for herself on her 50th appearance for the club.
“I thought after a two-week break, we started a bit slow,” Smith said. “But we gradually built into the game. There were some really strong performances, especially from some of the players who came on in the second half.
“I think some of their performances turned the game in our favour, and it’s always special to get a win over the Tigers in the derby in front of our home crowd.”
Westcombe-Evans had her final try of the game in the 75th minute as she chased down a grubber from fly-half Helen Nelson to put the cherry on the cake of a very special day for the 23-year-old winger.
“A special mention obviously goes to Bo playing her 50th game.” Smith continued. “I can’t quite believe that she’s played 50 games for the Lightning.
“She’s had some tough times lately coming back from a long-term injury, so it was good for her to get over four times to celebrate that moment, and I thought she was brilliant today.”
Whilst Westcombe Evans is now an experienced campaigner in this Lightning side, she was joined in her impressive performance by a handful of players getting their first opportunities in the PWR for Lightning, including England U20 international Keevy Fitzpatrick and Scotland international Lucia Scott.
Smith added: “Keevy has more than deserved an opportunity to be part of a Lightning PWR squad. She played exceptionally well in the cup, but unfortunately, she picked up an injury just after it. She’s got a big future at Lightning, and we’re lucky to have her.
“Lucia has had to really wait and bide her time for an opportunity, and I thought she took it today.
“I thought the turning point within the game was essentially when she made that cover tackle around the 50-minute mark, made the turnover, and won the penalty. If Tigers scored there, then it would become an eight-point game.
Lightning now turn their attention to next weekend as they face an away trip to north London as they take on league leaders Saracens (Sunday 7 December).
“We need to build on our performance here today,” Smith added.
“We know Saracens away is going to be a massive challenge, and we’ve just got to come back into training next week and crack on.”