Lightning taking it week by week after eighth win

Loughborough Lightning head coach Vic Burgess said her side "are taking it week by week" after continuing their unbeaten start to the Netball Super League with a 73-56 win against London Mavericks.

Lightning took a 17-12 lead at the end of the first quarter at their Sir David Wallace Arena and maintained their advantage as they held the Mavericks at arm's length to secure an eighth win from as many games.

"We talk about it [unbeaten record] but, ultimately, nothing changes as we go into training on Monday," said Burgess.

"We evaluate what we've done and move on to the next match straight away. It doesn't change."

Lightning's star shooter Samantha Wallace-Joseph was in clinical form and scored 37 goals to inspire her side to a victory which moved them on to 24 points.

"Collectively, it [unbeaten record] brings pressure because every day you want to go out there and win a game but we are trying to take each match a step at a time," said player of the match Wallace-Joseph.

"I strive under pressure and am loving it."

The Mavericks are in fifth place on 10 points.

"Just in the big moments, we're not quite there yet," said Mavericks head coach Tamsin Greenway. "We know that and it's frustrating - because we have the moments - but that's what happens when you play such a quality team."

AO Manchester Thunder moved up to second place on 19 points with a 67-55 win against sixth-placed LexisNexis Dragons, but can be leapfrogged by London Pulse, who are third, if they beat NIC Leeds Rhinos on Sunday.

Forest have 'more in the tank' after win over Panthers

Image caption,

Rolene Streutker is playing in her second season for Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest head coach Chelsea Pitman says her side have not yet hit top form in the Netball Super League following an emphatic 70-54 win over Birmingham Panthers.

South Africa international Rolene Streutker dominated for Forest at a sold-out Worcester Arena as she netted 43 goals for Forest to finish player of the match.

The result helped Forest move within a point of third-placed Manchester Thunder and three points behind London Pulse in second.

"I still think we have a lot more in the tank and we're not even close to our best at the moment, which is exciting for us," Pitman told Sky Sports.