Formidable Thunder strike at Spring Showdown

Manchester Thunder impress fans in Birmingham with two victories continuing the unbeaten run in round 14. Spring showdown 2022 would prove to be an action packed weekend showcasing the best Netball teams across the UK.

Despite two congested fixtures back to back, Thunder showed why they are top of the Super League beating Strathclyde Sirens 73-51 and Surrey Storm 80-50. The 80 point victory would be a Superleague record for most goals scored by a team in a game and would also claim Thunder a play off spot.

The first game commenced for the Thunder on April 16th against the Sirens. Thunder made a few changes heading into the game however this wouldn't disrupt the form and by the end of the first quarter Manchester found themselves 21-11 ahead. Niahm McCall got injured before the half time whistle which was a huge blow for Sirens. After a fast start the score at half time was 40-19.

Eleanor Cardwell seems to enjoy herself on the court with a highlight reel catch which pumped up the Birmingham crowd. Roebuck also had a good performance from centre and by the end of the third quarter the score was 68-31.

With the game strongly in the hands of the team from Manchester, they decided to make many changes. This allowed Sirens to end on a strong note which resulted in them winning the quarter. The game ended 73-51 as Thunder took their feet of the gas allowing Sirens to somewhat get back in the game, both teams could take positives from this fixture in preparation to their second match on day two.

Game two for Thunder was against the Surrey Storm on 17th of April. Surrey Storm suffered a tough loss in a close game on day one against Loughborough, so was looking to make an improvement on day two. The return of Joyce Mvula and Nat Metcalf for Thunder boosted morale within the team before the game started. The Storm where unchanged for this Netball clash.

It was a fast, competitive start to the game in the first quarter with Mvula and Cardwell combining well for the Thunder and Proscovia Peace looked in good form scoring points for Surrey. The score at the end of the first was 14-10 to Thunder.

The Thunder defence was effective in the second with key interceptions. Cardwell had a big impact on the game drawing the defence in and feeding passes to Mvula and Metcalf to make the score 34-23 at the break.

Thunder capitalise on Storms mistakes in the 3rd to take a firm grip on the game. Thunder showed their chemistry with a great passing performance and interplay that ripped through Surrey's defence. The score was at 56-32 going into the fourth.

Thunder put on a show in the fourth with their eyes set on the 80 point mark. Thunder showed their class blowing away Surrey Storm who started well in the game. The game ended 80-50 which is the biggest win in the League this Netball season.

After a very successful weekend Manchester posted an Instagram with the caption 'Not only did we break a goal scoring record this afternoon.. 😎

🎉We also secured our place in the #playoffs! 🎉'

This Thunder team have great momentum going in to the remaining 6 games of the Vitality Netball SuperLeague season.

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