Title-chasing Lightning have ‘target on our backs’

Vic Burgess, head coach of the Loughborough Lightning, claims that her team has had a “target on their backs” all season and is aiming for a record-equal third consecutive Netball Super League title.

In a major play-off semi-finale on Friday (20:00 BST), the Lightning will take on London Pulse at Copper Box Arena in an effort to earn their seventh Grand Final spot in eight years.

The only team at this year’s Copper Box to defeat Pulse is the defending, three-time champion, and Burgess predicts Loughborough will treat the game like our final.

According to Burgess, “We want to bank our space in that Grand Final as soon as possible,” so we must give it everything.”

The winner of their “major” semi-final made it to the Grand Final on July 6 after placing first and second, respectively, in the Super League table.

If they reach the final and prevail, Burgess’ side would become the first team to win the Netball Super League.

However, on the final day of the regular season, the Lightning advance to the semi-final after falling to Birmingham Panthers, a team in their inaugural season.

“It has been a rollercoaster at times all season, there have been games where we haven’t been happy,” Burgess continued.

“Teams have fought against us,” he said. We haven’t been able to let go of our guard as a result. That goal is on our back, which we have had the entire season.