Wasps Netball handed first defeat of Netball Superleague season by Manchester Thunder

Wasps Netball slipped to their first defeat of the season as an impressive Manchester Thunder side won 64-55 at Ricoh Arena.

The visitors delivered a flawless first-half performance to gain an early 15-goal advantage over the Vitality Netball Superleague reigning champions.

Mel Mansfield's side attempted to mount an impressive final-quarter comeback, but Thunder held on for a deserved win.

The loss marks the end of a seven-game winning streak for Wasps, who remain at the top of the Superleague table.

Mel Mansfield said: "Thunder were ruthless today, they were really quick and we struggled to force turnovers.

"It was very much a game of two halves. It wasn't a good start but then we were great for the second 30 minutes, showing guts and resilience in the second-half.

"We can work on some things for next time we play them, but it wasn't a good enough start.

"It's important we don't get frustrated. This game was the first time we've been under serious pressure this season. We'll learn from that experience and be better next time."

Shooting duo Katie Harris and Rachel Dunn were instrumental, finishing off some excellent moves in the circle.

Goal Shooter Joyce Mvula was pivotal as her side gave Wasps their first double-digit deficit of the season - breaking past the 30-goal mark.

The Black and Golds started the third-quarter promisingly, but soon Thunder stretched to a 20-goal lead.

Wasps fought back with five goals in quick succession and gathered momentum as Dunn continued her fine shooting display to close the gap to 13 heading into the final-quarter. But it wasn't enough.

Vitality Netball Superleague is back on your Sky Sports screen on Monday, March 11 when London Pulse host Team Bath in Round Nine - join us on Sky Sports Mix & Action from the later time of 7.15pm.