Thunder strike Lightning blow

HAVING already cemented second place in the Zen Superleague - which secured a semi-final play-off against Team Bath on Easter Monday - a relaxed Manchester Thunder outfit clinched a 62-40 victory over Loughborough Lightning in their final regular fixture.

The lead changed hands on several occasions in the early stages, with Thunder’s Helen Housby taking full advantage of feeds from Sara Bayman and Beth Cobden. The quarter ended 13-13.

With Housby moving to goal shooter for the second quarter and Kathryn Turner on at goal attack, Thunder turned up the heat. The first half ended with ruthless Thunder having forged a 27–20 lead.

It was very much one-way traffic in the third quarter as Thunder, with Ellie Cardwell on at wing attack, streaking clear (47–27).

With such a sizeable lead, Tracy Neville made a host of changes for the final phase of play.

The switches didn’t halt Thunder’s flow, with Kerry Almond and Webster together in defence keeping Loughborough’s attack at bay.

At the opposite end of the court, Housby and Travis put away shots with unerring accuracy.

Both teams played well, but there was no denying Thunder a comfortable victory.