Thunder Vs Rhinos Preview

The 8th of May will mark as an important day in the season as Manchester Thunder take on the Leeds Rhinos in a highly anticipated local derby. As we get to the business end of the season every game becomes increasingly more important.

Thunder enter the game in terrific form after beating Team Bath in round 16 who are a team that are in the battle for a play off spot. This game ended 66-45 after a solid display. The first half was relatively stress free for the Thunder defensive with Bath only putting up 22 points to Thunders 37. Despite the comfortable first half, Bath made the game more difficult disrupting Thunders defence with fast paced team passing. As the game seemed to get closer, Thunder finished of all momentum with another dominant quarter in the fourth.

In rounds 14 and 15 Thunder broke the scoring record 2 games running, so look to continue this attacking form against a Rhino defensive who have struggled recently. In round 16 Rhinos took on Loughborough Lightning who could seal a play off spot with a win. Despite tough opposition Rhinos kept up with the effective Loughborough attack with the end of the first half ending 38-32 to lightning. However the game turned on it's head in the second half with the Rhino defence giving up easy points. Loughborough finished the game with 71 points to Rhinos 56.

A win could give Rhinos hope with their small chances of them getting a play off spot, they are currently in 7th place. Thunder are looking to dominate the league with their unbeaten record. Who will win the bragging rights in this huge local derby?

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