Lightning look to set the season opener alight

rugby players on the pitch

Loughborough Lightning will look to start their Tyrrell’s Premier 15s season in style this weekend as they welcome northern side DMP Sharks to Loughborough University.

The game, which forms part of a double header with the Loughborough Lightning development side who also play DMP Sharks, will kick off at 3pm on the 1st XV pitch on Epinal Way.

Lightning captain Rachel Malcolm will be leading the way as the Scotland international starts at flanker. She will be joined in a strong pack, bolstered by new signings, England international Lark Davies and U20’s players Detysha Harper and Iona Antwis.

Another new face to the Lightning squad is the newly appointed Scotland captain Helen Nelson, who takes her place in the centres alongside Carys Williams. Former DMP Sharks player Rachael Woosey will also take on her old team from the wing. 

Last season it was Lightning that came out top in both their encounters, scoring nine tries in each game. It is this form that Lightning will look to recreate as the TP15’s campaign gets underway. 

 Of his first selection of the season Head Coach Rhys Edwards commented:

“The first game of the season is always a tough one and it’s no different with DMP at home this weekend. DMP are a tough, strong abrasive team, that are difficult to break down, so it is really important that we start well and get control of the game quickly. 

It’s an opportunity for our new signings in Lark, Helen, Kat and Rachael to step out for Lightning for the first time, with Kat and Rachael facing their former teamates. I am very excited to see how the new, very talented players embed themselves into our squad.

 Across the performance squad, I am looking forward to seeing the developemnt team step out and show what they can do for the first time, with lots of new talent on show.” 

On the first game of the season Captain Rachel Malcolm said:

“The first game of the season is always the most exciting. All the teams in the competition have been working hard, and nobody has seen each other play yet and everyone wants to get off to a winning start. 

“The girls are all excited to get going with what I imagine will be a physical encounter with DMP this weekend.”

We would also like to thank Computacenter for thier continued support of Lightning for the 2019/2020 season. 

Lightning’s kick-off is at 3pm followed by the development team at 5pm. Make sure you head to campus and show the ladies your support. Get your tickets here

Lightning line-up

1)Katie Trevarthen
2) Lark Davies
3) Detysha Harper
4) Iona Antwis
5) Georgia Bradley
6) Rachel Malcolm
7) Amelia Harper
8) Jo Brown
9) Jenny Maxwell
10) Natasha Jones
11) Rachael Woosey
12) Helen Nelson
13) Carys Williams
14) Rhona Lloyd
15) Bethan Zeidler

16) Emily Tuttosi
17) Daleaka Menin
18) Kat Hobson
19) Becky Noon
20) Megan Davey
21) Ellen Ramsbottom
22) Isla Alejandro