Thunder maintain unbeaten NSL start with Storm win

Manchester Thunder maintained their perfect start to the season with a commanding 75-44 win over Surrey Storm.

Thunder led by just four at half-time after a slow start but pulled away in the third quarter to record five wins from five so far this season.

The four-time champions thwarted Storm's attack in the second half, limiting them to just 17 goals.

"Really happy with what they're doing, they all have each other's backs," said Thunder head coach Karen Greig.

"We've got to know what players are capable of, can they start or can they come on and impact."

Goal attack Lois Pearson impressed under the post, missing just one of her 33 attempts and combining seamlessly with wing attack Nat Metcalf.

"Lois just cruises through, she's immense. When she turns the burners on she appears from nowhere, her work-rate and vision in the circle, we're starting to see her take on that responsibility now," said Greig.

Paige Reed scored seven goals while South African Elmere van der Berg, who joined Thunder for the 2024 season, added 36 from the bench as Thunder showcased their squad depth.

Elsewhere, Saracens Mavericks returned to winning ways after back-to-back losses to beat Team Bath 60-48 and Cardiff Dragons continued to show their significant improvement this season with a 58-49 win over Strathclyde Sirens, who are still searching for their first points of the season.

Defending champions Loughborough Lightning take on Leeds Rhinos on Saturday with the match live on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website and app from 18:00 GMT while London Pulse will host Severn Stars.

Round five - Saturday, 16 March

Loughborough Lightning v Leeds Rhinos

Round six - Saturday, 23 March

Manchester Thunder v Loughborough Lightning

Round seven - Saturday, 30 March

Cardiff Dragons v London Pulse

Round eight - Friday, 5 April

London Pulse v Strathclyde Sirens

Round nine - Saturday, 13 April

Manchester Thunder v Leeds Rhinos