World netball stars clicking for Lightning
Netballers Caitlin Bassett and Geva Mentor are fierce rivals on the international scene.
But as teammates for Super Netball newcomers Sunshine Coast Lightning they are already proving to be a lethal duo who can lead their club to a championship in their first year.
Australian shooting star Bassett is just two goals shy of 100 in her first two Super Netball games against reigning champion Brisbane Firebirds (48) and her 50-goal haul against the Vixens in their historic 58-52 home win on Sunday.
Mentor, who has played more than 100 games for England, has taken ownership of making sure the Lightning - a team which contains players from all around the world, represent their community which have rallied behind them.
"We (Bassett) and I are always against each other when she steps on court for Australia. It's actually great to be able to look up and she her down the other end, I absolutely love it," said the Lightning captain.
Their next challenge is proving they can take their impressive early season form on the road for game three against Adelaide -- one of Mentor's former clubs in her nine years playing in Australia.
"I've played in this competition for the last nine years since 2008. To get the opportunity to come here and help establish a brand new club with a new culture and new values, is something I really wanted to be a part of," said Mentor, flashing a gold dolphin on one of her front teeth - a birthday present from her mum when she played her first game for England as a 16-year-old.
"I've been around successful clubs and successful people and I think they've put together a fantastic team of players from all over the world who can create a legacy for fans who now have a national team to support.
"We have players from all over the world and it's a case of us finding the brand of netball we want to play," she said.
Bassett believes the team will get a "lot lot better".
"This is just the start. We've a fantastic coach and she is still building combinations," she said.
