Netball Super League 2024: Manchester Thunder beat Surrey Storm to maintain perfect start
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Thunder mid-courter Imogen Allison made three intercepts to help shut down the Storm attack
Netball Super League 2024 - Loughborough Lightning v Leeds Rhinos |
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Venue: Sir David Wallace Arena, Loughborough Date: Saturday, 16 March Time: 18:00 GMT |
Coverage: Watch live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. |
Manchester Thunder maintained their perfect start to the season with a commanding 75-44 win over Surrey Storm.
Thunder led by just four at half-time after a slow start but pulled away in the third quarter to record five wins from five so far this season.
The four-time champions thwarted Storm's attack in the second half, limiting them to just 17 goals.
"Really happy with what they're doing, they all have each other's backs," said Thunder head coach Karen Greig.
"We've got to know what players are capable of, can they start or can they come on and impact."
Goal attack Lois Pearson impressed under the post, missing just one of her 33 attempts and combining seamlessly with wing attack Nat Metcalf.
"Lois just cruises through, she's immense. When she turns the burners on she appears from nowhere, her work-rate and vision in the circle, we're starting to see her take on that responsibility now," said Greig.
Paige Reed scored seven goals while South African Elmere van der Berg, who joined Thunder for the 2024 season, added 36 from the bench as Thunder showcased their squad depth.
Elsewhere on Friday night, Saracens Mavericks returned to winning ways after back-to-back losses to beat Team Bath 60-48 and Cardiff Dragons continued to show their significant improvement this season with a 58-49 win over Strathclyde Sirens, who are still searching for their first points of the season.
On Saturday, Severn Stars saw off London Pulse with a 54-47 win while defending champions Loughborough Lightning completed a resounding 71-55 win against Leeds Rhinos to move to within three points of league leaders Thunder.
Mary Cholhok scored 55 of the Lightning's goals, while Alice Harvey was named player of the match for a dominant display in defence.
Manchester Thunder host Lightning at the Belle Vue Arena next Saturday, live on the BBC Sport website and app, and BBC iPlayer.
Super League fixtures on the BBC
Round six - Saturday, 23 March
Manchester Thunder v Loughborough Lightning
Round seven - Saturday, 30 March
Cardiff Dragons v London Pulse
Round eight - Friday, 5 April
London Pulse v Strathclyde Sirens
Round nine - Saturday, 13 April
Manchester Thunder v Leeds Rhinos