Manchester Thunder beat Loughborough Lightning in Vitality Netball Superleague
Saturday 20 February 2016 15:22, UK
Manchester Thunder maintained their perfect start to the Vitality Netball Superleague season with a hard-fought 56-47 victory over Loughborough Lightning.
Thunder entered the game fresh from a 25-goal thrashing of Team Bath on Friday which gave them a third successive victory, but it was the home side who took the early advantage on Monday with the opening goal of the night at Loughborough University's Sir David Wallace Sports Hall.
However, despite impressive defence from Karen Atkinson's side, they were unable to keep a relentless Thunder at bay.
The visitors were led by the constant menace of wing attack Liana Leota, who ensured they stayed on the front foot throughout.
With Helen Housby and Natalie Haythornthwaite in ruthless early form, it was the Superleague leaders who hit the front early.
Dan Ryan's team found themselves four goals to the good, leading 10-6 with under five minutes remaining of the opening quarter before Vanessa Walker ensured the gap was down to just two at the end of the first 15 minutes.
Player of the Match Jo Trip and Sky Sportswoman of the Month Ama Agbeze led the hosts' defence in keeping chances at a premium throughout the early part of the second quarter, and both teams were having to work hard to get the ball through the court.
Three quickfire goals from Lightning's Ugandan goalshooter Peace Proscovia levelled the scores at 14-14 and after the teams traded goals, the visitors' experience took hold of the game for what proved to be a crucial advantage they never relinquished.
England star Housby helped Thunder move through the gears, their transition play moving them into a seven-goal lead which they held onto for a 26-19 half-time advantage.
Thunder's attack has made most of the headlines this season, but the all-court performances of England captain Sara Bayman and New Zealand's Leota were pivotal factors in seeing off a determined Loughborough defence to extend their advantage to nine goals.
Lightning's spirits refused to be dampened and more precision shooting from Proscovia cut the deficit to just four midway through the third quarter, but Haythornthwaite and Housby re-established a seven-goal lead heading into the final quarter as the Thunder attack built on some outstanding defence from half-time substitute Laura Malcolm.
A 4-1 run for the hosts at the start of the final period cut the gap to four points but once again, the Thunder were able to show their class and a five-goal run midway through the final period finally saw off the home side's threat, as Ryan's team moved into a 53-44 lead.
As befitting the Loughborough performance, they refused to give up, with the teams trading points through the final moments before a bruising battle came to its conclusion with the Thunder making it four wins from four and Lightning slipping to a second defeat of the campaign.
Vitality Player of the Match - Jo Trip (Loughborough Lightning)
