Thunder beat rivals in emphatic style!

Manchester Thunder won 84-49 in a highly anticipated rivalry match over Leeds Rhinos on the weekend. This continues Thunders impressive unbeaten season making the lead 3 points at the top of the table. This defeat is a huge blow for the Rhinos as the gap to a play-off spot is now 7 points.

Manchester started on the front foot with early scores at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. Manchester's defensive pressure frustrated Rhinos forcing their centre pass off the side line. Thunder took a huge early lead going into the second with the score at 23-14.

Despite Thunders lead Rhino's gave their fans something to cheer through goal shooter Sigrid Burger. Shadine Van Der Merwe was impactful for the Thunder defence with interceptions. Thunder also moved the ball well at fast pace, this caused issues for the Rhinos. The score was at 43-24 at half time, Rhinos had a lot to do against an impressive Thunder side.

Thunder where relentless after the break coming out the blocks with 3 unanswered buckets. The transitional play from Rhinos mistakes was a tool that Thunder used to take advantage in this game. Thunder goal shooter Joyce Mvula seemed to be in the form of her life in this game with her clinical nature in front of the bucket. Sienna Rushton was a bright spark for the Rhinos scoring 10 points off the bench, she gave the fans something to celebrate with a long shot goal in the third despite Thunders 27 point lead.

Going in to the fourth quarter Thunder had the game wrapped however they did not take their foot of the gas. Thunder relied on transitional play to win this game but showcased a range of their abilities in this huge match. They used long passes to cut through Rhinos defence as they tired. Goal shooter Sigrid Burger had a small rally in front of the bucket however this didn't effect the score as much as Rhinos fans would have liked it to. The game ended at 84-49 with Thunder scoring 20 or more points in each quarter. Joyce Mvula scored a mouth watering 60 points while Rhinos goal shooter scored 33. Thunder will take the momentum from this huge game to round 18 where they face Saracens Mavericks.

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