Six unbeaten for Thunder

NETBALL:  

MANCHESTER Thunder won a pulsating clash against Loughborough Lightning 68-52 to make it six on the bounce in Superleague.

It wasn’t the prettiest of games and Loughborough matched Thunder on occasions, but the home side ground out the success to remain top of the table.

Jodie Gibson, starting at goal keeper for the hosts, was particularly vocal in what quickly became a physical battle as both defences pushed for turnovers.

A lucky flick from an off-balance Kathryn Turner and some neat footwork from Chelsea Pitman helped Thunder finish the opening quarter 19-13 ahead.

The second phase played out like the first, with Ugandan star Peace Proscovia causing problems for Gibson and Emma Dovey with her unorthodox style.

Thunder came out with renewed purpose in the second half, with Almond, who came on at keeper and made an instant impact.

Thunder, playing in pink in aid of Cancer Research UK, struggled to gain any kind of sustained momentum, though, and Lightning kept their score ticking over.

Leading 50-38 with a quarter remaining, changes helped the reigning champions to dominate the centre court, with the new trio of Malcolm, Pitman and Cobden dictating play.