Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith believed that Saturday’s opposition ‘out-energised’ his side in the second half, leading to a 31-29 defeat to Sale Sharks at Morson Stadium.
In a 60-point contest, it was the African Violets who led 17-5 at the break, courtesy of tries from Alev Kelter and World Cup winner Lilli Ives-Campion plus seven points from Helen Nelson.
However, the second half saw Sale wrestle back momentum to score four tries and secure the victory over Smith’s side.
“There were some really good parts of our game that went well,” Smith explained. “I thought we controlled the first half. It was pretty positive at half-time.
“We got on the wrong side of the referee, [conceding] too many penalties, and then did not get enough entries into their 22. In the first 40 minutes, we were really consistent in how we played.
“We were really clinical when we were in their red zone, but we weren’t in there enough. And they were gaining field position through errors and the referee’s whistle.
“We are playing some exceptional rugby in patches, but unfortunately, it’s just patches, and we need to kick on and become more consistent.”
On a positive note for Lightning, World Cup winner Helena Rowland got her first 65 minutes of the Premiership Women’s Rugby season under her belt, controlling things from fly-half, and Smith was full of praise for his returning playmaker.
“You can see what a difference Helena makes,” he continued. “She brings such a wealth of experience. I think she and Helen [Nelson] dovetail really well. It’s only positive that she’s back with us for the rest of the season.”
Lightning will look to bounce back as they return home this weekend for their only Friday Night Lights fixture of the season as they host Harlequins at cinch Stadium on 13 March – to purchase your tickets, please click HERE!
The reverse fixture, which was the PWR season opener, saw one of Lightning’s highest-scoring results of the season in the 52-42 thriller at Smith is excited for the opportunity to overturn that result.
He said: “It’s going to be a great game. You’ve got two positive teams playing on a fast track, and we’re looking forward to playing under the lights at cinch Stadium”