MANCHESTER Thunder stands alone at the top of the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) ladder after defeating Loughborough Lightning in a grand final rematch for the ages. Both sides were undefeated heading into the match, with top spot up for grabs, but it was the Thunder who emerged victorious by five goals. In the other clash, Surrey Storm pipped a gallant Celtic Dragons at the post.

Manchester Thunder have further established themselves as the team to beat in the 2022 VNSL season, having overcome Loughborough Lightning in a remarkable grand final rematch. The pair has passed every test to-date in the competition, and the match lived up to all expectations of a thriller. The Thunder raced off to a six-goal lead in the opening term and it looked like they might send a real ominous message to the rest of the competition. Instead, the Lightning hit back to cut the deficit to four at the main break, but the Thunder soon got back on top, and then held sway in the run to the final whistle to come out on top by five goals, 66-61.

Natalie Metcalf earned Player of the Match honours for her work between goal attack and wing attack, shooting six goals from eight attempts, and having a team-high 14 feeds, as well as one rebound, one intercept and one deflection. The Roses star was able to feed international teammate Eleanor Cardwell (32 goals from 36 attempts and one rebound), and Joyce Mvula (28 goals from 30 attempts and one rebound). Up the other end, the likes of Laura Malcolm (nine feeds, two deflections and one turnover) and Shadine Van der Merwe (four deflections, one intercept and one turnover) made lift difficult for the Lightning to feed into the circle.

Fran Williams had the big job on Cardwell and then Metcalf, only giving away six penalties, and picking up two deflections, two turnovers, one intercept and one rebound in the process. The battle between Metcalf and Beth Cobden (three intercepts, two deflections and three turnovers) also lived up to expectations, as Ella Clark (11 goals from 14 attempts, 13 feeds, one intercept, one deflection and one turnover) was impressive, with Mary Cholhok putting up another 47 goals, and pulling down four rebounds.

Manchester Thunder go from facing the equal top of the table side to the bottom of the table side, when they travel to Sport Wales National Centre on Saturday for a battle with the Celtic Dragons. Loughborough Lightning play earlier in the day with a massive game against third placed London Pulse.

Surrey Storm travelled to Wales and achieved what they had to do – defeating Celtic Dragons. The Welsh-based side is a significantly more difficult prospect in front of a home crowd, and the Dragons showed just that in a spirited see-sawing contest before eventually falling one-goal short of an upset win. The Storm lead by just one goal at quarter time and half-time, with great defensive efforts on both sides. Then the Dragons came hard, scoring 14 goals to 11 in the third term to take the lead at the final break, 40-38. Ultimately the Storm would come home the stronger of the sides, pipping the home team at the final whistle y a nail-biting one goal.

Despite the defeat, Lefébre Rademan was named as Player of the Match after a great goal attack performance for the the Dragons. She was strong and reliable in the goal circle, and teamed up well with Georgia Rowe, who in the dying second had the chance to tie the game, but was called for an offensive contact. Aside from the goalers, Nia Jones was important in reducing the easy feeds into the goal circle, with Shaquanda Greene-Noel continuing her great form.

The Storm had an even contribution across the board with Peace Proscovia being dominant in attack putting up plenty of goals, supported well by Francesca Wells, whilst up the other end, Leah Middleton did well in goal keeper on Rowe. Leader Mikki Austin was of course impressive in centre to make sure the Storm had some composure through the midcourt, and helped get them over the line.

Celtic Dragons host Manchester Thunder next Saturday in a top-against-bottom clash in Wales, whilst the Surrey Storm have a bye in Round 11, so they will not play until Friday, April 8 against Team Bath at Surrey Sports Park.