Thunder-ous Win Over Northumbria

A crushing win for Northern Thunder over Team Northumbria in the Co-operative Netball Superleague has helped boost the team's goal average ahead of the play-offs.

From the first centre, Thunder rolled out a masterly exhibition of netball.  Starting with the top choice line-up the team were quickly into their stride.

Hard fast ball thundered down the court with Team Northumbria resisting as much as possible.  GS Emma Lower, who missed just three times all night got good service in the first quarter and with the accurate eye and arm of Vicky Phillips, converted what they were given.

Thunder were already ten goals ahead by the first break, Karen Greig scoring 15 of the 20 through the net, as Charley Beenham landed all five of her shots.  It was a great display of shooting.

There was a superb atmosphere at the Castle Leisure Centre in Bury with plenty of enthusiastic young support egged on by a brilliant display of cheerleading. 

Both teams responded.  Team Northumbria’s shooting duo nailed 100% in the second quarter and if Thunder’s defence had allowed them more possession they could well have shared the quarter tally - but lost out by two goals.

North carried forward their good work at the start of the second half with another 100% shooting effort but Thunder, after the now famous Clarke-Bayman swap and Greig-Wilson pair-up, started turning up the gas. They won the third 18-11.

In the fourth the home side brought in the result with a spot of showboating. They are looking good going into the play-offs. Northumbria can take comfort from passages of good play.

Player of the match was Thunder’s Rachel Henry, the first time she’s been recognised this season.  She said "We used the momentum we have generated through this season so far, to push on every quarter, we didn’t let them settle.

"I’m connecting well with Annis and am looking forward to sealing 3rd place in the table on Saturday against Mavericks."

Assistant coach Suzy Chapman was very happy with the execution of the gameplan "We focused on consistency over the four quarters and we maintained that. Karen Greig was superb and connected the attack in the combinations we had. 

"Centre court again was very strong and through out the court we turned the ball over to give the attack shooting opportunities.

"Pressure on the pass and the player in defence resulted in us dominating the circle. Thrilled with the win and looking forward to Mavericks on Saturday".

By Lisa O’Sullivan