17 Jun 2017

Taurua's Lightning win Australian Super Netball title

11:25 pm on 17 June 2017

The Noeline Taurua coached Sunshine Coast Lightning have won the inaugural Super Netball crown after beating the Sydney based Giants 65-48.

Netball coaches Margaret Foster and Noeline Taurua.

Netball coaches Margaret Foster and Noeline Taurua. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The New Zealand coach was headhunted to lead the new franchise in the Australian competition and got the ultimate reward in Brisbane tonight.

Silver Ferns veteran Laura Langman also put on a masterclass at wing defence, getting four intercepts to her name.

The hosts recovered from a first-quarter deficit to dominate the rest of the contest.

The Lightning were led to victory by goal shooter Caitlin Bassett's 48 goals from 50 shots, ably supported by Stephanie Wood (17 from 21).

The NSW outfit began better with Bec Bulley and Sam Poolman effectively blocking the path to Bassett as the Giants ran out to an 8-3 lead.

The Lightning whittled the lead down and a late Wood goal reduced the deficit to 15-13 at the first break.

The hosts went on a 10-3 scoring run in the first half of the second stanza, with Geva Mentor, Karla Mostert and Langman strong in defence and the Giants went to the long break five points down.

The lead was extended to 10 points by three-quarter time and the Sunshine Coast players and coaches visibly relaxed as they romped to victory in the final quarter, ending their season in the perfect manner.

- AAP