The bonus point Loughborough Lightning picked up from Gloucester-Hartpury could be crucial in the fight to finish in the Premiership Women’s Rugby top four.
That is the view of head coach Nathan Smith, after his side rallied in the final ten minutes at Kingsholm Stadium to double their try tally for the game and ensure they travelled home with something to show for their efforts in the 45-26 defeat.
“We didn’t give up; it goes without saying we were not great in the first half,” said Smith. “The second half, we were back more to how we play, we imposed our game on Gloucester.
“Fundamentally, there were too many errors in the game. What I would say, is, we are a team that fights until the last minute. You saw that against Exeter and Trailfinders, and you have seen that again against Gloucester to pick up a point.
Lightning were unable to prevent the hosts from stretching their winning run to 19 games as they go in search of a fourth successive PWR title. However, alongside the bonus point gained, there was also plenty to celebrate as three players made their Lightning debuts.
Paige Stathopoulos, who only arrived in the country from the USA a few days before the game, arrived from the bench and was followed by teenagers Aoibhe Kelly and Kaya Acton as late replacements.
“Massive credit to Aoibhe and Kaya,” added Smith. “They came on for the last seven minutes and made a massive difference for us to be able to get over the line and get that point.
“The girls coming in were brilliant. Pat Lam said it earlier in the season, Bristol Bears (men) picked up a number of injuries, and it is down to the coaches that they are prepped and ready to perform for the team. It is certainly not an excuse, and they are certainly good enough to be in contention for selection at this level.
“Kaya Acton has been ripping it up in training and thoroughly deserves the opportunity to play.”
Lightning’s loss followed on from Exeter Chiefs’ home victory over Leicester Tigers, which saw Smith’s side drop five points off the play-off places – with Lightning’s next game being against Chiefs at Sandy Park on Sunday 15 February.
“I am not going to get bogged down with what everyone else is doing result wise,” explained Smith. “We all play the same amount of games, we all play the same teams. We have just got to out score, per that game, if they have got five points at home against Tigers, we have to get five points against Tigers at home.
“Exeter have to come to Gloucester-Hartpury and get a point or two points to better us. It is not necessarily about any given weekend’s results.”