Lightning strike, but Thunder win

NETBALL:

THUNDER were made to work hard for their 52-45 win over impressive Loughborough Lightning in their Fiat Superleague phase two encounter.

Thunder’s new circle combination of Alice Travis and Kathryn Turner had moments of joy and despair in the opening quarter, which ended with Lightning holding a narrow lead.

The second quarter saw Thunder coach Tracey Neville move captain Emma Dovey to goal defence and introduce Kerry Almond at goal keeper.

Thunder began to take control and at the mid-way stage of the match were 29-23 up. Leading 40-35 at the end of the third quarter, Thunder couldn’t afford to let up.

There were more changes to the side in the fast and physical final quarter, which saw several injury time-outs.

Thunder went seven goals ahead 10 minutes from the end, a lead they managed to maintain.