Loughborough Lightning do the double over Surrey Storm

Round 18 saw both teams work tirelessly on court in a match that proved to be very contesting as Lightning ended Storm's hopes of a home semi-final.

Hannah Joseph made some effective feeds into the attacking circle to allow Mary Cholhok to go on and score three back-to-back conversions with Rhea Dixon working hard at goal attack to create plays in the attacking third and allow Cholhok to get under the post.

Quick hands from Alice Harvey stopped Storm in their tracks as she worked well in tandem with Jas Odeogberin at wing defence.

Putting it into reverse 🏎️@SurreyStorm's Amy Flanagan with the reverse hand interception makes us want to watch it over and over 😍#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/kGMk1iySDX

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 19, 2023

Down the other end of the court, Dixon sent an effortless ball into Cholhok to add another point to the scoreline before a missed shot from Storm closed off the first quarter with a nine-point lead for Lightning.

The gap in the score began to close slightly as both teams worked hard to make conversions before Dixon and Cholhok worked well together in the circle yet again to save a point.

Lightning then began to gain some momentum as the team add vital points to the scoreboard, as the visitors held on to an eight-goal lead at half-time.

In the second half, the dynamic Fran Williams played a key role in Lightning’s plays as she darted through her opponents to receive the ball from Nat Panagarry.

Lightning quick turnovers 💨@fwills11 with a turnover for @LboroLightning, as smooth as you like ↪️#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/lD4OSz8Ocy

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 19, 2023

The Lightning attack used the circle well to get the ball past Storm defence to allow for another Cholhok conversion.

The lead for the away side grew with great pressure being applied in the defensive third as Harvey showed her great reach as she and Williams worked hard to disrupt the play of Storm.

Lightning hit the 50-point marker in the third quarter with a stunning 45 of those coming from super shooter Cholhok as the 2021 champions opened up a 15-point lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Lightning quick turnovers 💨@fwills11 with a turnover for @LboroLightning, as smooth as you like ↪️#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/lD4OSz8Ocy

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 19, 2023

In the final quarter, Emma Thacker entered the court in place of Dixon as goal attack and made her first signature long shot.

Odeogberin's move to goal defence paid off as she got around the body of her opponent and added pressure.

She then managed to get her fingertips to the ball to intercept the play of Storm before Cholhok made a last-second conversion from a good distance to round out an impressive win.

Report supplied by Loughborough Lightning