Thunder inflict first defeat on Lightning
MANCHESTER THUNDER 62 LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING 55
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning saw their unbeaten Netball Super League run come to an end with a 62-55 defeat against Manchester Thunder at Belle Vue Arena during Friday Night Netball.
A quick start from Lightning saw Mary Cholhok do what she does best, with a nicely taken finish under the post. The quarter maintained its fast tempo, with competitive attacking play for both teams keeping the score goal for goal, making life difficult for opposing defence.
It was a number of forced errors that gave Thunder momentum, a handful of turnovers early on had Lightning facing an uphill climb. Despite strong long-range shooting from in-form Emma Thacker, Thunder marched to a five-goal lead but Lightning pegged their way back into contention and the quarter closed with Thunder 14-12 up.
The second quarter brought a huge shift in momentum for Thunder following a positive start for Lightning who managed to level the scoring from a Fran Williams intercept. Despite Lightning managing to fight and remain in contention, it was forced errors that allowed Thunder to punish Lightning and extend their lead closing the half with a nine point advantage at 33-24.
Lightning came out fighting in the third quarter. With the rotation allowing Zan Vimbela and Rhea Dixon opportunites to make impacts.
Rhea Dixon and Mary Cholhok started to find their rhythm together in the circle, combining with trickery to keep Thunder’s defence on their toes as Lightning cut Thunder’s lead to five points.
A cagey start to the fourth quarter saw some patient play all over the court. Mary Cholhok took her opportunity to hit back for Lightning with three huge conversions, making for an interesting final 10 minutes.
However, it was Thunder who fought back, with victory falling out of reach, Lightning did not stop fighting and continued to put pressure on Thunder but ran out of time and Thunder took the points from what was a highly competitive fixture.
After the game, Vic Burgess commented on the need for Lightning to tighten up on errors: “We didn’t get the start we wanted, second quarter they took it away from us a little bit and I think we came back really strong in the third quarter. We made some errors when decision making wise, had a real impact when we had possession of the ball
“So, for us it’s all about learning in those pressured moments to look at all of our options, not fall into traps and learn from it quickly.”
Next up, Lightning return to campus on Sunday 19th March at 4pm and welcome Leeds Rhinos.