Thunder ready for Storm challenge

MANCHESTER Thunder start the defence of their Netball Superleague crown tonight against Surrey Storm.

The game is a repeat of last year’s play-off final, in which young shooter Helen Housby netted the winning goal with seconds left.

But Housby, who won a call-up to the England squad for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, is determined to remain grounded as the Storm prepare to invade the Thunderdome.

The 20 year old: “I still can’t believe how it ended with an England call up.

“I think that goal will end up being the highlight of my career.”

There has been plenty of movement off-season for all eight Superleague teams, with players coming in from overseas and others swapping allegiance.

Thunder have strengthened with the addition of experienced Australian attacker Chelsea Pitman, who has moved to the UK from ANZ team West Coast Fever.