Thunder move second with win over Dragons

Thunder gained an early lead in the first quarter of this Round 12 clash, putting Dragons into chase mode but the hosts were up for the challenge as they clawed back the early deficit. Thunder remained strong and gained a seven-goal lead heading into the second quarter.

Hannah Leighton was a stand-out for the Welsh side throughout the match, with two intercepts, two turnovers, and one deflection in the first 20 minutes of play. Despite this, Thunder kept building on their lead achieved in the first quarter and went into the second half still leading.

Dragons welcomed back Annabel Roddy on to court after two weeks out due to concussion. Despite this time out from match play, Roddy didn’t look like she had missed a beat. Thunder continued with their game plan as they calmly continued to build on the scoreline.

The Welsh crowd went quiet as a clash of heads stops play with what looks like quite a serious injury to Ella Powell-Davies. When she eventually gets to her feet, the applause rings round House of Sport and Clare Jones slotted back into her original position.

After a strong start to the fourth quarter from the reigning champions, Dragons worked hard to make sure Thunder’s lead didn’t blow out. In the final minutes of the fourth quarter, intercepts and tips aplenty from Roddy and her teammates Shaquanda Greene-Noel, Jones and Leighton along with smooth passages of play ignited this sold-out Green Army, which helped Dragons have a strong finish.

Our match is back at home again against Loughborough Lightning. Can we make this yet another sell-out? You can help us to by buying a ticket, which you can do by clicking here.

Gilbert Player of the Match was Manchester Thunder's Ella Bowen.

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Report provided by Celtic Dragons