Manchester Thunder prove too much for Strathclyde Sirens

The visitors took a quick lead at the Emirates Arena and were never caught in a dominant victory, their 15th of the season.

Thunder's third place finish was confirmed with their 21-goal win not enough to overturn to the goal difference deficit they had to Loughborough Lightning.

That means Thunder will travel to Lightning for the second semi-final on Friday 9 June in a rematch of last season's Grand Final.

Semi Finals are looming 👀@LboroLightning have secured second in the #NSL2023 table and a home semi-final is calling 📞

Be sure not to miss a second of the action as they face @thundernetball in the second semi-final next Friday night at the David Wallace Sports Centre 🏟️

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 3, 2023

In a frustrating start for the hosts, Sirens were unable to convert to goal after the first five minutes as Thunder took a 7-0 lead.

Beth Goodwin slotted the first goal, quickly followed by a second from Niamh McCall to roars from the crowd as they willed their side on.

Thunder continued to dominate the scoreboard and easily found their route to goal to ensure they were up by 10 by the end of the first quarter.

In the second period, Strathclyde Sirens' defensive pressure began to show as Towera Vinkhumbo added seven more intercepts to her collection in the match, to continue to lead the way in the 2023 season.

Perfection 😍@SirensNetball delivering a beautiful ball into their shooting circle 🤩#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/B5CfF127oF

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 3, 2023

Vinkhumbo produced four intercepts in a row to disrupt the reigning champions' flow, but Sirens were well-matched defensively as Emma Dovey and Kerry Almond restricted Strathclyde Sirens' shooter to only converting one of those. 

Nevertheless, Sirens had shown heart and determination to stick in the game as the two teams entered the break with Thunder having only stretched their lead by one more goal.

That was not the case in the second half as Thunder's shooters turned up a gear, Lenize Potgieter returning to the court and instantly finding goal.

Shooters unite 🤝@thundernetball shooters Metcalf and Potgieter working together in the circle to add another goal to the board ♥️#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/aBmVqTFWBY

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 3, 2023

Nat Metcalf was a deserved Player of the Match as she excelled both at wing attack and goal attack, providing 34 feeds and 11 goals.

The skipper led from the front as Thunder comfortably closed out the game growing their advantage throughout the game to end the season with 45 points.

Meanwhile, Strathclyde Sirens missed the chance to move into seventh after Leeds Rhinos draw with Celtic Dragons yesterday, settling for eighth, the same position they occupied last year.

Photo courtesy of Craig Watson.

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