Last year's table-toppers take on Manchester Thunder in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Monday night
Tuesday 27 February 2018 21:46, UK
Beth Cobden says last season's Vitality Superleague heartbreak has given Loughborough Lightning the motivation to go one better this time around.
Cobden will line-up against her former side Manchester Thunder on Monday night in a crunch clash between two teams tipped to go all the way.
The England international and mid-court player is still hurting from last season's Grand Final defeat at the hands of Wasps Netball, but feels the side have learned from their mistakes and are ready to win the Superleague under the guidance of new head coach Anna Carter.
"We built in confidence and there was a really good vibe in the team last season, but losing in the final was a massive disappointment," the 25-year-old told Sky Sports.
"There are things we can take forward this season with a lot of the girls experiencing a final for the first time so hopefully if we can make it this year, we can win this time."
Cobden, who has been called up to the England Roses squad for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, added: "I loved it at Thunder, so it's always a bit weird playing against your old team. There are still a few faces who are there when I was playing with them, so it will be really good to see them all."
The hugely talented Ella Clark is back bolstering the Loughborough squad following a period of rehabilitation following an ACL injury at the back end of last season.
And Clark says she is determined to boost Lightning's chances of going one step further this time around.
"Last season was disappointing for the fact that we didn't win and the fact that I was also not able to play in the final. It was tough going through the injury and the recovery process," said the 26-year-old, who took a six-year hiatus from netball to play basketball before returning to the game.
"No one wants to be sidelined for several months, so I'm happy to be back in time for the start of the season. Injuries happen and it was a tough process, but I had a lot of support behind me with Loughborough and England to help me get back."
Vitality Superleague is back on your screens on Monday night when Loughborough Lightning host Manchester Thunder, coverage is underway on Sky Sports Action and Main Event from 6.45pm. You can also watch centre-pass on Sky Sports Mix, which you can find on channel 287, and is free for all Sky customers.
Follow the 2018 Superleague season with us on Sky Sports and through our website skysports.com/Netball with news, previews, reports and expert analysis throughout the season. And also our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkyNetball - #BelieveTheHype
