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Lightning strike down Thunder for first time in four seasons
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Loughborough Lightning

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Manchester Thunder

Match Details

29th April 2023
Round 14
David Wallace Sports Hall
Stats Report

Match Results

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First Centre Pass

Amy Carter
Amy Carter Manchester Thunder View profile

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Lightning strike down Thunder for first time in four seasons

29th Apr 2023 by Netball Super League

Loughborough Lightning v Manchester Thunder

Loughborough Lighting reasserted their title credentials with a confident 65-57 victory over defending champions Manchester Thunder.

Lightning had lost their last seven matches against Thunder, including last year's Grand Final, but Vic Burgess' side were worthy winners to move above their opponents in the table on goal difference.

Alice Harvey and Fran Williams commanded the defensive third and confidently sustained possession, while Rhea Dixon’s wide play which created goal scoring opportunities for Mary Cholhok. Thunder brought their own defensive unit and were continuously fast in their decision making.

A change was seen in the middle of the first quarter with Jas Odeogberin exiting the court at wing-defence for Lauren Nicholls but still Lightning looked strong. 

Lightning led by just two goals at half-time and seemed increasingly confident in their play. Throughout the second quarter the play was end-to-end, but Williams completed several vital interceptions to win the possession back for Lightning.

Cholhok battled for aerial balls amongst the Thunder defence to increase Lightning’s lead. Thunder’s communication remained present in the second quarter as Nat Panagarry persisted to mark all players across the court. Harvey continued her determined defence as the Thunder attack fired a successive number of passes into the attacking third.

Lightning increased their lead to 7 points after the third quarter with turnovers in play from Thunder footwork faults and balls being fed Dixon to Cholhok. In the middle of the court battles were prominent as each team urged to take the lead once again.

Thunder utilised long passes to bring about goal scoring chances and keep team morale high. They were also drawing Lightning defenders wide to create space in the attacking third however Lauren Nicholls and Panagarry commanded centre court and fought for every pass.

Harvey’s commitment and interceptions remained a spectacle on court with team playing able to build from defence.

The final quarter was a monumental battle between Lightning and Thunder with both teams exploiting space and endlessly moving to look for the next pass.

Cholhok’s dominance stood out as the energy from all Lightning players attacked the Thunder defence and applied constant pressure. Williams’ attacking play was particularly noticeable as she propelled balls down court leading to several goals and increasing Lightning’s lead further.

Another substitution was seen in the final quarter with Hannah Joseph exiting the court and Emma Thacker taking goal-attack whilst Dixon switched to wing-attack. Again, the confidence from all the team was unwavering throughout.

Report provided by Loughborough Lightning

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Tags:

Loughborough Lightning Manchester Thunder