SEVERN Stars were unable to hold onto their lead as Manchester Thunder came from behind to win their Vitality Superleague clash at the University of Worcester Arena. 

Thunder were quick off the mark as they took a three-goal lead in the first three minutes of the game, but Stars’ goal defence Rebekah Airey quickly made her first intercept of the game to reduce the deficit.

Manchester Thunder’s goal shooter, South African international Lenize Potgieter, was called for attacking contact on Head Coach Jo Trip and Stars were able to capitalise through Sigi Burger holding strong under the post bringing the scores level.

Both teams went goal for goal as the quarter progressed but a crucial interception from Stars' defensive end helped them to go one goal ahead.

Both teams remained unchanged going into the second quarter and New Zealand Goal Attack Grace Namana got into the defensive action as she turned the ball over helping to increase the margin for Severn Stars to four.

The highly contested match went goal for goal for the remainder of the second quarter and was all tied at 29 a piece at half-time.

Stars once again remained unchanged going into the third quarter, which was a mix of emotions for the home side. It finished 46-41 in favour of the home team before Manchester Thunder brought England Roses captain Natalie Metcalf on at Goal Attack.

Previous champions Thunder showed their experience and continued to fight from behind, slowly pulling it back. The score went goal for goal for the middle section of the final 15 minutes until a couple of crucial turnovers allowed Thunder to pull away and the match finished 56-63 to Manchester Thunder.

Severn Stars will have a double-header weekend next weekend with an away fixture against former Stars Liana Leota, Paige Reed and Nia Jones' new side Leeds Rhinos and back home on Sunday April 2 where they take on Surrey Storm at the University of Worcester Arena at 4pm.