Manchester Thunder 64-51 Strathclyde Sirens

Karen Greig’s side opened up a seven-goal advantage after the first quarter and were 34-23 ahead at half-time as Sirens struggled to deal with the defensive pressure from Player of the Match Josie Huckle. 

Sirens responded well in the second half with Thunder winning each quarter by one goal only, but the damage had been done in the first 30 minutes to consign Strathclyde to their fifth loss of the season. 

Thunder were forced to be patient in the first quarter, often taking the direct route to Lenize Potgieter under the posts, but the defence clicked into gear immediately. 

The defending champions ended the game with 15 deflections and 10 intercepts, with much of that work coming in the first quarter which saw Thunder lead 20-13. 

Sirens’ connections began to fire in the second quarter, as Beth Dix founded Bethan Goodwin in space in the circle after good link-up play between Niamh McCall and Dix. 

Despite Claire Maxwell’s side rallying, Thunder remained on top to build the lead to 11 points at half-time. 

With the home side feeling comfortable, Greig decided to switch things up and brought on 18-year-old Harriet Jones. 

The youngster showed no sign of nerves to score the first goal of the second half, and she had a perfect person to learn from with Potgieter scoring twice from long-range efforts. 

The third quarter ended with Thunder 49-37 and it was time for another roll of the dice as goalkeeper Pippa Morgan came on for her debut aged just 16. 

She helped the home side see out a composed 64-51 win to move them level on points with leaders Surrey Storm with a game in hand.