Lightning’s undefeated run in Superleague ended by Thunder

Lightning's undefeated run in Superleague ended by Thunder

The Loughborough Lightning lost their first game of the season on Monday (Image Source: Ben Lumley)

The Loughborough Lightning misplaced their first recreation of the season on Monday (Picture Supply: Ben Lumley)

Loughborough Lightning’s unbeaten run got here to a halt on Monday night time after the Manchester Thunder scored a 66-61 win at Sir David Wallace Area.

On account of their defeat, Lightning is now second on the Vitality Netball Superleague desk, six factors behind Thunder. However final yr’s champions have a recreation in hand, after their first-round match towards Leeds Rhinos was postponed.

Victoria Burgess will head south to face London Pulse at Copper Field Area on Saturday afternoon, with the match broadcast dwell on Sky Sports activities on YouTube.

Lightning’s journey to London marks the beginning of a two-game run, as they face the Leeds Rhinos Netball on Monday night time. The Manchester Thunder confronted the Celtic Dragons on Saturday in Spherical 11.

Vitality Netball Superleague – Spherical 10 Outcomes

Bathtub Netball PP Saracens Mavericks
Strathclyde Sirens PP Severn Stars
Leeds Rhinos Netball 44-58 London Pulse
Loughborough Lightning 61-66 Manchester Thunder
Celtic Dragons 53-54 Surrey Storm

With 12 of the 14 junior internationals from high internationals, the stage was set for an intense first quarter at Sir David Wallace Area, and each groups delivered.

Thunder hit first with England Vitality Rose Nat Metcalf as soon as once more to point out off her versatility and stare down the GA for Thunder. Lightning’s Mary Chulock – nonetheless one of many competitors’s high scorers – responded shortly after.

Loughborough Lightning vs Manchester Thunder – Ranging from the sevens

Loughborough Lightning Manchester Thunder
GS: Marie Shulhawk GS: Joyce Ren
GA: Ella Clark GA: Nat Metcalfe
W: Hana Joseph WA: Louis Pearson
A: Nat Panagari A: Caroline O’Hanlon
Dr.: Beth Cobden Dr: Laura Malcolm
GD: Fran Williams GD: Shaden van der Merwe
Goalkeeper: Alice Harvey A aim keeper. Kerry Almonds

Regardless of the Lightning line of defense of Beth Cobden, Fran Williams and Pete Cobden seeking to press the ball early, Metcalfe’s velocity and imaginative and prescient enabled Thunder to function rapidly and effectively. Karen Gregg’s staff led 19-13 by the quarter time.

After the hiatus, Lightning regrouped effectively in entrance of their followers at dwelling. As an attacking unit, Cholhok, Ella Clark, Hannah Williams and Nat Panagarry labored collectively to maneuver the ball across the again of the Thunder to the proper place underneath the publish.

Panajari led by instance and Clarke’s midfield turnarounds ignited the house aspect to slender the first-half hole to 33-29 in favor of the Thunder.

Loughborough Lightning vs Manchester Thunder – This autumn outcomes

x 1 Q 2 Q3 Q 4 FT
Loughborough Lightning 13 16 16 16 61
Manchester Thunder 19 16 17 16 66

Watch highlights from the encounter between Loughborough Lightning and Manchester Thunder

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Watch highlights from the encounter between Loughborough Lightning and Manchester Thunder

Watch highlights from the encounter between Loughborough Lightning and Manchester Thunder

Lightning continued with the momentum they’d constructed in the beginning of the third quarter, taking it again to 33-33 after which advancing by one. The increase confirmed how highly effective it was earlier than Thunder discovered the appropriate solutions.

Coach Greg made adjustments and the Thunder responded in a formidable method. Launched throughout the second quarter, Eleanor Cardwell moved into the aim publish with Metcalfe returning to the aim publish.

They labored effectively collectively, whereas the expertise of Shadine van der Merwe and Kerry Almond continued to pay dividends from the again.

After bypassing the third quarter by one aim, Thunder grabbed Lightning within the fourth quarter in a draw and duly handed the defending champion their first defeat of the brand new season.

Hear the thoughts of Karen Gregg, Manchester Thunder Team Manager

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Hear the ideas of Karen Gregg, Manchester Thunder Staff Supervisor

Hear the ideas of Karen Gregg, Manchester Thunder Staff Supervisor

Celtic Dragons vs Surrey Storm – quarter by quarter rating

x 1 Q 2 Q3 Q 4 FT
Celtic Dragon 13 13 14 13 53
Sari Storm 14 13 11 16 54

And within the different conflict on Monday night time, Sarri Storm delayed the cost to win to beat the Celtic Dragons by one aim in Cardiff.

Storm had led 27-26 within the first half, earlier than the Dragons raised the ante throughout the third quarter and took a two-goal lead within the remaining cease.

Beginning within the remaining quarter-hour, early interceptions from Leah Middleton and Frankie Wells shifted the stability in Storm’s favor and in the end supplied them with the skinny cushion they wanted to safe a win on the street.