Treble try star Treder’s ‘buzz’ from record Lightning crowd at the Gardens

Loughborough Lightning’s Kathryn Treder revealed the record-breaking crowd at Saturday’s East Midlands Derby clash against Leicester Tigers helped to spur her on to scoring a memorable first-half hat-trick at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

More than 1,700 people were in attendance in Northampton – setting a new record for the Club at the venue – as Lightning led for the majority of the match before conceding a late try that helped secure the visitors a 22-17 victory.

In what was Lightning’s third home Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby match of the season to be staged at the Gardens, supporters from both sides braved the elements to witness edition number two of this new head-to-head rivalry. 

“I was absolutely buzzing [with the atmosphere],” said Treder. “I absolutely felt the energy from the crowd when we had line breaks when we’re playing with momentum and we do something exciting.

Hooker Treder joined Lightning last summer from DMP Sharks, where she made ten appearances in the second half of the 2022/23 season. The 27-year-old has 16 USA Women’s Eagles caps to her name and wasted little time in adapting to her new environment and teammates, scoring five tries in her first seven games.

That statistic became eight in as many outings on Saturday as she expertly guided three rolling mauls over the line in the first half.

“It feels really great to get a hat-trick, but it’s a real testament to how hard the forwards have been working in training at our mauls,” she added. “We don’t shy away from that graft in training and I think that’s what came out against Tigers.”

Treder’s treble helped establish a 12-point lead two minutes before half-time. But Tigers hit back with 17 unanswered points thereafter to claim the win.

“In the second half they [Tigers] played with more momentum,” said Treder. “I think their kicking game caught us a little bit off guard. We just didn’t have as much possession as we would’ve hoped.

“It’s just about showing up on the day. I think with these games it can go either way, it’s just about who is better on the day.”

Lightning are next in action on Friday 23 February when they take on Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate (kick-off: 7.45pm) before returning to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens to face Sale Sharks on Sunday 3 March (kick-off: 3pm). 

Tickets are available to purchase HERE priced just £6 adult / £3 junior, plus a £1.50 booking fee per ticket.