Manchester Thunder maintained their perfect start to the Vitality Netball Superleague season with a hard-fought 56-47 victory over Loughborough Lightning. Thunder entered the game fresh from a 25-goal thrashing of Team Bath on Friday which gave them a third successive victory, but it was the home side who took the early advantage on Monday with the opening goal of the night at Loughborough Universitys Sir David Wallace Sports Hall. Loughborough v Manchester - Scoring Breakdown 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Final Score Loughborough Lightning 10 9 16 12 47 Manchester Thunder 12 14 16 14 56 However, despite impressive defence from Karen Atkinsons side, they were unable to keep a relentless Thunder at bay. The visitors were led by the constant menace of wing attack Liana Leota, who ensured they stayed on the front foot throughout.With Helen Housby and Natalie Haythornthwaite in ruthless early form, it was the Superleague leaders who hit the front early.Dan Ryans team found themselves four goals to the good, leading 10-6 with under five minutes remaining of the opening quarter before Vanessa Walker ensured the gap was down to just two at the end of the first 15 minutes.Player of the Match Jo Trip and Sky Sportswoman of the Month Ama Agbeze led the hosts defence in keeping chances at a premium throughout the early part of the second quarter, and both teams were having to work hard to get the ball through the court.Three quickfire goals from Lightnings Ugandan goalshooter Peace Proscovia levelled the scores at 14-14 and after the teams traded goals, the visitors experience took hold of the game for what proved to be a crucial advantage they never relinquished. Netball London Live Get your tickets for Londons Copper Box Arena England star Housby helped Thunder move through the gears, their transition play moving them into a seven-goal lead which they held onto for a 26-19 half-time advantage.Thunders attack has made most of the headlines this season, but the all-court performances of England captain Sara Bayman and New Zealands Leota were pivotal factors in seeing off a determined Loughborough defence to extend their advantage to nine goals.Lightnings spirits refused to be dampened and more precision shooting from Proscovia cut the deficit to just four midway through the third quarter, but Haythornthwaite and Housby re-established a seven-goal lead heading into the final quarter as the Thunder attack built on some outstanding defence from half-time substitute Laura Malcolm.A 4-1 run for the hosts at the start of the final period cut the gap to four points but once again, the Thunder were able to show their class and a five-goal run midway through the final period finally saw off the home sides threat, as Ryans team moved into a 53-44 lead.As befitting the Loughborough performance, they refused to give up, with the teams trading points through the final moments before a bruising battle came to its conclusion with the Thunder making it four wins from four and Lightning slipping to a second defeat of the campaign. Vitality Player of the Match - Jo Trip (Loughborough Lightning) Also See: Vitality Superleague fixtures Table Live on Sky Sportswomen Gene Washington Jersey . White came in fourth place in the event. He was the two-time defending gold medallist. The gold medal went to Swiss snowboarder Iouri Podladtchikov. Gordy Soltau Jersey . Vaives lawyer Trevor Whiffen claims the former 50-goal man wasnt provided with a copy of the claim beforehand and that he would not have agreed to the allegations made against the NHL had he been asked to review its contents. http://www.custompatriotsjersey.com/custom-lawyer-milloy-jersey-large-141f.html . -- Jimmy Walkers first PGA Tour trophy came with a special gift tucked inside. Jerry Rice Jersey . -- Timbers coach Caleb Porter didnt stray from his business-like approach to the season even after Portland downed the two-time defending league champion Los Angeles Galaxy to gain crucial playoff position. Matt Light Jersey . As the crowd erupted, Davis knocked the ball off the glass and back into his hands. With 1:14 to go in overtime, Davis sixth block also became his 17th rebound. That, along with his 32 points -- which tied a career high -- proved too much for Denver to overcome, and the Pelicans held on for their third straight victory, 111-107 on Sunday night. When seven-time All-Star Kevin Durant joined the Golden State Warriors?after they set an NBA record with 73 wins last season, nearly everyone crowned them the 2016-17 champion?before the season even began.And as with superteams of the past, the Warriors understood?they suddenly had a large target on their backs?and would likely be booed in most road arenas this season.Rather than shy away from the intense scrutiny and pressure to perform, the Warriors have embraced their role as Super Villains -- even posing for a team photo in front of balloons that literally spell it out for everyone to see.Forward Draymond Green posted thee photo on his Instagram account, along with another team shot that shows center JaVale McGee holding what appears to be controls to a drone-operated camera during the Warriors off day on Friday.ddddddddddddGolden State coach Steve Kerr reportedly inspired the Super Villains moniker by having it printed on T-shirts that he handed out to his players during the preseason.The Warriors entered the weekend with a 7-2 record. They did not lose their second game last season until Dec. 30.-- Nick Ostiller ' ' '