Lightning cannot strike twice as Thunder gain revenge for earlier loss
MANCHESTER EXTEND LEAD OVER REIGNING CHAMPIONS
MANCHESTER Thunder extended their lead at the top of the Netball Super League after beating closest rivals Loughborough Lightning 61-57 at the Sir David Wallace Arena, writes Amy West.
It was sweet revenge for Thunder after being beaten by the defending champions in Manchester earlier in the season.
Thunder, who went into the game top on goal difference only, were 30-29 behind at half-time.
But a strong second half display saw them outscore the home side 17-13 in the third quarter and Thunder held on in a frantic finale to go three points clear.
Elmere van der Berg finished with 41 goals for Thunder and Lois Pearson added 20, while Lightning’s goal shooter Mary Cholhok scored 50 to cement her place at the top of the league’s goalscoring charts.
“We were well up for it,” said
Thunder’s Imogen Allison. “It was a really well-contested game – all credit to Loughborough, it was a tough one.
“This is huge for us and gives us big confidence after they beat us at home.”
Lightning head coach Vic Burgess said: “We looked hesitant on the ball as we moved it through the court.
“It’s something we’ve been really good at all season.
“Throughout the game you could feel the momentum shift between the teams across all four quarters.
“Going to Bath on Friday we’re going to work on a variety of ways to win the ball back.”
Severn Stars strengthened their grip on fourth place with a 56-41 win over Cardiff Dragons.
Stars went ahead late in the first quarter with some early turnovers and controlled the game to run out comfortable winners.
London Pulse stayed in touch with the top two but were given a scare before holding off Leeds Rhinos 49-48 for their seventh win in a row.
Pulse, who are now level on points with Loughborough Lightning, were 29-25 behind at the break but led 40-38 going into the fourth quarter.
They were three goals ahead with just over a minute to go, and although the Rhinos scored twice it was not enough.
Surrey Storm remain in contention for the play-offs with a 63-56 win over Team Bath, led by Proscovia Peace (40 points) and Sophie Drakeford-Lewis (20).
Storm were 35-31 ahead at the break but extended that to 55-41 by the end of the third quarter, and although Team Bath rallied in the final quarter, the visitors held on for victory.
Elsewhere, Saracens Mavericks cruised past Strathclyde Sirens 57-41 to leave the Scottish side still looking for their first win of the season.