Netball Super League: Nottingham Forest stun defending champions in first East Midlands derby

Netball Super League newcomers Nottingham Forest stunned defending champions Loughborough Lightning 73-71 in front of a crowd of more than 2,500 at Motorpoint Arena.

The hosts led by three points at half-time in Nottingham but trailed by a point going into the final quarter.

However, South Africa international Rolene Streutker’s 38 goals led Forest to a tense victory in the NSL’s first East Midlands derby, with Lightning’s Ella Clark missing a late chance to force extra time.

Later on Saturday, Manchester Thunder sealed their third win in a row by dominating Cardiff Dragons 72-47 at Utilita Arena in Cardiff.

Elmere van der Berg led the way with 38 goals as the Thunder moved up to second place, three points behind leaders London Pulse, who are the only unbeaten team this season.