Saturday 7 July 2018 22:08, UK
Wasps claimed a second successive Vitality Superleague title by eventually seeing off Loughborough Lightning for a 55-51 victory at the Copper Box.
In what was a repeat of the 2017 final, it was the defending champions who retained their crown with an identical scoreline to last season's showpiece.
A four-goal victory was just about what Wasps deserved as they eventually shook off a determined fightback from Loughborough, who came up agonisingly short again and remain in search of their first Superleague title.
Tamsin Greenway's Wasps, who won their first title in their debut season last year, snatched the advantage through the middle period of the match, forging the biggest lead of the contest as Player of the Match Rachel Dunn starred under posts.
Having lost influential mid-courter Beth Cobden towards the end of the first quarter, Lightning missed the England international's drive but once they readjusted they stormed back from a four-goal deficit to level the match in the final quarter.
But it was the experience of Wasps that prevailed down the stretch, crucial defensive plays from Sam May and Hannah Knights ensured Lightning could not quite get the control they needed and champions Wasps held firm to lift the trophy.
It was Loughborough who made the fast start, forcing the early initiative and with it a two-goal lead thanks to the dominance of Peace Proscovia under the post.
The pair traded goals throughout but also the odd mistake as nerves played their part in the opening exchanges.
With Dunn missing a couple of early chances, it fell to Nat Haythornthwaite to keep Wasps within touching distance while trademark defensive wizardry from Shamera Sterling gave Lightning the chance to open up a 10-6 lead, but that provoked a response from the champions.
Cobden left the arena on crutches with a serious-looking injury and Lightning were understandably knocked out of their stride and with Dunn finding her range, the teams went in level at the end of the first quarter.
It was more of the same in second quarter as the teams went goal for goal, unsurprising given how closely they are matched this season
But just as Lightning looked to take a crucial advantage, Wasps capitalised on a rare mistake from Proscovia to allow Dunn the chance to embark on a four-goal run and a two-goal deficit became a two-goal lead.
Loughborough looked like they had forced a crucial turnover in the final minute but a fierce press from Wasps won the ball back and ended the half 28-24 in front.
Wasps continued to shade the mid-court battle, although with Ella Clark a growing presence for Lightning in the attacking third, it was Anna Carter's team who edged closer but could only manage to reduce the deficit to three goals before the final-quarter drama.
Lightning roared out of the traps, Proscovia relentless under the posts and as Wasps' advantage ebbed away Proscovia levelled the contest at 44-44 heading into the final 10 minutes.
Haythornthwaite and Clark traded goals until the crucial play of the game. With Wasps a goal to the good, May pounced for a crucial interception that the champions converted and then from their own centre pass managed to regain their three-goal lead.
Again, Lightning refused to give up but everything they threw at Wasps down the stretch came back at them as the champions showed their mettle, and with countless Superleague titles between them, stood firm to add an another in impressive fashion.
Wasps Starting Seven - GK Sam May; GD Hannah Knights; WD Jade Clarke; C Sophia Candappa; WA Tamsin Greenway; GA Natalie Haythornthwaite; GS Rachel Dunn
Loughborough Lightning Starting Seven - GK Shamera Sterling; GD Vicky Oyesola; WD Beth Cobden; C Natalie Panagarry; WA Hannah Joseph; GA Ella Clark; GS Peace Proscovia
Stick with us through the off season as we reflect on the season, track the England internationals and track the latest player movements ahead of a huge 2019 which will feature another thrilling Superleague season and the 2019 Netball World Cup
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