Vitality Netball Superleague | Prepare for Thunder and Lightning in Manchester

Loughborough Lightning will be aiming for a big three points against the 2014 champions on Saturday to keep them in contention for a top-four finish.

This will be a tasty encounter as Manchester Thunder will want to get back to the top of the table on level points with Hertfordshire Mavericks after their win against Yorkshire Jets on Monday.

Both teams will be gunning for the win in a match that will be streamed live via the Vitality Netball Superleague website.

Read the Thunder preview below:

Manchester Thunder will look to get their season back on track against Loughborough Lightning following last week’s cancelled game.

The Black and Yellows were only a quarter in to their top of the table clash with Hertfordshire Mavericks and winning 14-9 when the umpires called it off.

The officials had grown concerned for the players’ safety when a roof leak – which was dripping directly onto court – couldn’t be stopped.

However, coach Dan Ryan will have been pleased with Thunder’s strong start, especially in attack and the Australian also has the bonus of influential and experienced keeper Kerry Almond back in contention following injury.

Lightning will face a strong Thunder side at the Thunderdome, gunning for victory after last weekend’s disappointment but they also have plenty to play for, with a top-four finish still a possibility.

Despite being depleted by injury through Sasha Corbin and losing captain Jade Clarke to the ANZ, Lightning have plenty of international talent in their armoury, with England defender Ama Agbeze a revelation this season for them.

In the corresponding fixture Lightning pushed Thunder for the full 60 minutes and could well have nicked victory if not for a strong final quarter from the 2014 champions.

At this stage in the season, a win is the only result both teams want, and with this tie by no means a dead rubber, fans can expect a fast-paced and intense encounter.

Manchester Thunder v Loughborough Lightning, 5pm, Thunderdome, April 9