Lightning victory but Thunder set record

LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning recorded their fifth consecutive win to boost their hopes of defending their Vitality Netball Superleague title.

Fran Williams was at her imperious best in the 52-46 home victory over Strathclyde Sirens, making five interceptions, six deflections and seven turnovers.

Alice Harvey has been one of the success stories of the season, using the Lightning’s tried and tested structure as a springboard to make her one of the league’s biggest rising stars.

They also proved they have the squad depth to win games at the highest level despite goal shooter Mary Cholhok’s absence against Sirens.

But leaders Manchester Thunder continue to raise the bar and they smashed the Superleague all-time record of goals scored in a single game with a stunning 88-55 victory at Wasps.

Scoring 24 points in the first and final quarters, Thunder were powered by the ever-reliable Eleanor Cardwell, who scored 48 goals and missed only four shots.

That was not the only milestone that Thunder recorded on their raid of the West Midlands.

The game also saw them hit 1,000 goals for the season and also marked a century of Thunder appearances for head coach Karen Greig and star shooter Joyce Mvula.

Thunder have already secured their semi-final spot and Team Bath and London Pulse both secured vital wins to try to join them.

Bath ran out 50-40 winners against Severn Stars, while Pulse beat Celtic Dragons 52-49 in a tight game.

Loughborough Lightning are next in action tomorrow night when they visit Leeds Rhinos (7pm) in a rearranged fixture.

That is followed by another match on the road at Saracens Mavericks on Monday, May 2 (7pm)