LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning struck during a dominant second term to overcome a determined Leeds Rhinos outfit in a tight Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) Round 11 clash last night. The Lightning joined Saracens Mavericks as the Monday night winners to close out another eventful weekend of action for the United Kingdom-based competition.

Saracens Mavericks have set up an impressive 19-goal win over Wasps Netball after a dominant final three terms. The sides headed in level at quarter time with 11 goals apiece, before the Mavericks created some separation in the second quarter thanks to a 20 goals to 13 term. They added to that with 14 goals to nine in the third quarter, before finishing off even stronger with 17 goals to 10 to win, 62-43.

Goal keeper Razia Quashie earned Player of the Match for her four intercepts and four turnovers, teaming up well in the back third alongside Jodie Gibson (five intercepts, five turnovers, one rebound and one deflection) and Aliyah Zaranyika (five intercepts, five turnovers and one deflection). In attack, Britney Clarke powered her way to 46 goals from 52 attempts, as Kadeen Corbin picked up an intercept and provided a team-high 24 feeds, whilst shooting at 80 per cent with 16 goals from 20 attempts.

The shooting load was shared between Gezelle Allison (21 goals from 26 attempts and one rebound) and Rachel Dunn (18 goals at 100 per cent, and one rebound) for the Wasps. In defence, Ella Powell-Davies caught the eye with four rebounds, six turnovers and a deflection, whilst Josie Huckle had two deflections, two rebounds, one intercept and one turnover.

Saracens Mavericks host Celtic Dragons on Saturday for Round 12, whilst Wasps Netball have the bye.

Loughborough Lightning have seen off a plucky Leeds Rhinos outfit, winning by eight goals despite only scoring more goals in two of the four quarters. That was in the second term when the Lightning scored 19-10, but it proved enough to get the win despite the Rhinos winning the first and third terms by a combined three goals. Luckily the Lightning steadied in the final term to win that quarter 13-11 and secure the 62-54 victory.

Mary Cholhok shot 28 goals from 31 attempts, pulled down two rebounds and recorded an intercept and a turnover, teaming up well with Suzie Liverseidge (20 goals from 25 attempts, one rebound, one intercept, one deflection and two turnovers) and Emma Thacker (14 goals from 18 attempts and two rebounds). Alice Harvey (three deflections, two rebounds, three turnovers and one intercept).

Standing tall in attack Sigrid Burger put up 42 goals from 49 attempts and pulled down four rebounds in a big performances. She was well fed by Brie Tyler Grierson (12 goals from 15 attempts and 11 feeds) and Amelia Hall (15 feeds), whilst Michelle Magee (three intercepts, three rebounds, two deflections and six turnovers) was amongst the best for her defensive work.

Loughborough Lightning have earned the bye in Round 12, whilst Leeds Rhinos play Strathclyde Sirens at home next Monday, April 11.