The Black and Yellows are looking for their third win on the bounce after coming through two tough ties against Yorkshire Jets and Team Northumbria. The aim is to finish in the top two at the end of the regular season, with the reward a home semi final tie. And with Thunder currently sitting pretty at the summit of the Superleague table, things are looking good.
However coach Dan Ryan will be well aware his squad need to remain focused and composed if they are to keep up the momentum, as the disappointing loss to Surrey Storm will be a stark reminder that things won’t always go to plan.
On Saturday Thunder travel to Cardiff to take on Celtic Dragons who have had an indifferent season so far. But they are not to be underestimated after already securing two decent wins and Thunder have shown patchy form away from home. Thunder ran out victors by a 20-goal margin the last time these two met at the Thunderdome in round two and Ryan will be looking for a similar performance from his squad. He is also expected to rotate his squad once again, with young shooter Amy Clinton vying for more court time following her five-minute cameo last weekend. Goal keeper Kerry Almond remains sidelined with injury but Liana Leota is expected to feature.
Celtic Dragons v Manchester Thunder, Saturday, March 19, 6pm, Cardiff
Match Preview by Denise Evans