Thunder-ing towards victory!

THUNDER'S Kathryn Turner (centre) looks to take the sting out of a Wasps player

MANCHESTER Thunder produced a stunning performance to see-off Wasps 68-62 in Coventry.

The start was delayed after Thunder's team coach was stuck on the M6 for five hours, but they showed no ill-effects as they matched Wasps for intensity and desire.

Thunder's persistent pressure paid off in a classy second-half performance, which saw them overhaul the early-season favourites in style.

Coach Karen Greig was delighted her players managed to click at the right time and see off a team littered with international talent.

She said: "We put out a great performance across all four quarters. The more pressure we put on them, the more confident we got to play our own game. We protected each other and then we were able to turn the screw at the end."

Greig added it was her squad's belief in themselves that enabled them to "have Wasps on the rack" in the fourth quarter.

"This win says a lot about what we can do this season. We have a young inexperienced squad and I don't think we get enough credit for what we do out there."

Despite Wasps sneaking into a two-goal lead, Thunder patiently waited for their chance which came a few moments into the second quarter, following a superb flying intercept from impressive wing defence Bea Skingsley.

Wasps' defence was making Thunder work for every pass but the Black and Yellows took their time to move the ball to their shooters, with Joyce Mvula calm and composed in the circle.

A late Wasps surge caught Thunder off guard and the hosts went into the break 32-27 ahead.

The second half was breathless, with Wasps storming into a six-goal lead at one point but Thunder refused to surrender and took the sting out of Wasps.

Thunder saved their best netball of the season for the final quarter, with a blistering sequence of play blew Wasps away.

Thunder's relentless defensive pressure - led by a brilliant Emma Dovey - finally got to Wasps and frustration - and mistakes - started to creep in.

It took Thunder before just before the final break of the game to take the lead for the first time, and they were in no mood to relinquish it.

The fourth quarter had everything, but Thunder's form made all the difference.

At one end there was Kathryn Turner nailing a series of ridiculous long shots and the defence had virtually shut-out Wasps' attack.

Turner was supported superbly by Malawian Mvula, calm under constant pressure from Wasps keeper Josie Huckle.

This result surely sends out a message that Thunder are genuine play-off contenders.