The battle between “Thunder” and “Lightning” ended in a thrilling one-goal victory for league leaders AO Manchester Thunder in England’s Netball Super League. Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash saw Manchester Thunder defeat second-placed Loughborough Lightning 68–67, despite a match-high 36-goal performance from Lightning’s Trinidadian shooter Samantha Wallace-Joseph. Both teams had already secured their playoff spots, with the Thunder also clinching home-court advantage for their semi-final. However, the result will be a concern for the Lightning, who have now suffered three defeats in their last four matches. AO
Manchester Thunder had endured a slow start to the campaign, failing to register a win at the Soft & Gentle Super Cup – which was won by Loughborough Lightning — before losing to reigning champions London Pulse in the opening match of the regular season. However, Karen Greig’s side quickly silenced any doubts, responding with an impressive run of victories and suffering just one further defeat, which came against the then pace-setting Loughborough Lightning. The Thunder gained revenge in the return fixture, edging the Lightning
by the narrowest of margins in Saturday’s second round encounter. The victory further underlines the Thunder’s status as title favourites heading into the playoffs, while the Lightning will be eager to rediscover their early-season form before the postseason begins. ENGLAND’S NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE STANDINGS: POS TEAM P W L GF GA GD BONUS PTS TOTAL PTS 1 AO Manchester Thunder 14 12 2 934 771 +163 1 37 2 Loughborough Lightning 14 11 3 1018 875 +143 2 35 3 London Pulse 13 11 2
811 704 +107 0 33 4 Nottingham Forest 13 7 6 822 830 -8 4 25 5 LexisNexis Dragons 14 6 8 825 851 -26 4 22 6 London Mavericks 14 4 10 775 812 -37 2 14 7 Birmingham Panthers 14 3 11 719 896 -177 0 9 8 NIC Leeds Rhinos 14 1 13 737 902 -165 2 5
AO Manchester Thunder, Loughborough Lightning, Samantha Wallace-Joseph, England Netball Super League, playoffs, semi-final home-court advantage, Soft & Gentle Super Cup, Karen Greig