Sunday 6 March 2016 15:38, UK
Manchester Thunder won the battle of the 100 per cent records with a 57-48 victory at Hertfordshire Mavericks in the Vitality Superleague.
Dan Ryan's team recovered from a slow start, which saw them seven goals down at one stage, to secure victory and the three points that takes them clear at the top of the table.
Next up for the Thunder are Surrey Storm - the defending champions travel to the Manchester Thunderdome on Monday for a game you can see live on Sky Sports - and they will be a wounded animal having been beaten by just one point against Loughborough Lightning on Saturday.
Both teams came into the match having won their opening four matches, but it is Thunder who will have the chance to emulate last season's perfect regular season record after a hard-fought encounter at the Hertfordshire Sports Village.
A dominant Mavericks team bossed the first half, but the introduction of Natalie Haythornthwaite to goal attack and the switch of Helen Housby to goal shooter made all the difference as a dogged Thunder fought their way back into the game and edged in front.
Captain Sara Bayman admitted it was hard work but said the team's belief was the reason they could recover from a sluggish start
"They started well but we made unforced errors in that first quarter," she said.
"The most pleasing thing is that we never deviated from the game plan, we continued to try and do what we set out to do but to do it better.
"No-one believed we were going to lose it, there was still a composure about us and we were willing to put in three good quarters to make sure we did. Our response was too strong for what they had out there and knew we would not lay down down and die."
New Zealand wing attack Liana Leota was a constant menace but it was the combination play between Haythornthwaite and Housby that eventually saw the Thunder home for a nine-goal victory.
Surrey Storm are also the next opposition for Mavericks when they return to action at Netball London Live at the Copper Box Arena and tickets are still available.
You can see if the Thunder maintain their 100 per cent record when they take Surrey Storm on Monday night, live on Sky Sports 3.
