Storm fall to Thunder as fans are back at the Copper Box

Manchester Thunder demonstrate why they have already punched their play off ticket 

Storm matched up with Thunder 435 days ago in the last game with fans in attendance. On Sunday 30^th May these two teams faced each other again, the Copper Box was filled with energy as spectators made their return bringing in a new atmosphere within the arena.

Thunder on a quick recovery from Saturday where they took a comfortable victory over Severn Stars 55 – 43. At this stage in the season Thunder have locked in their play off position proving to be a top class team in the VNSL this season.

Storm started the game with pace and attacked early in the opening minutes executing their game plan. Yasmin parsons opened the game with a spectacular jumping out of bounds feed to the safe hands of Karyn Bailey. However, an experienced Thunder found their feet, settled and forced turnovers regaining the lead to finish the quarter up narrowly by 2 goals.

Alima Priest began the 2^nd quarter being her usual self as our wall in defence. Thunders ball movement eventually proved too much as they managed to feed Joyce Mvula and capitalised on our mistakes. Mikki Austin and captain Yaz Parsons ability to locate Karyn Bailey kept the game within touching distance and Storm went to the locker room down by 8 with the score at 21-28.

A change of tactics as Nicole Humphries started the 2^nd half for Niamh Cooper who would then replace Mikki Austin during the quarter. Storm struggled in the 3^rd which we have seen as a previous trend and Manchester took advantage of this on court extending their lead to 31 – 45.

Emma Magee returned back from injury and Felisitas Kwangwa both started the 4^th and raised the energy from the lull in the 3^rd. That spark managed to bring the game back to within 10 goals in the first few minutes. The Manchester side made adjustments and played through it leaving victorious with the final score 41 -57.