Positives for Thunder

Northern Thunder in action

A SPIRITED Northern Thunder netball team took plenty of positives from their 53-44 defeat against reigning champions Mavericks at Castle Leisure Centre, Bury.

Mavericks, who are based in the east of England and boasting several internationals, have been a force to be reckoned with in the three previous The Co-operative Superleague seasons, finishing as runner-up on two occasions before finally taking the title.

Thunder ended the first quarter eight goals behind (17-9), but the next three were much closer affairs. They edged the third 12-11, while they lost the other two by a single goal.

Thunder, in fact, had a slightly higher shot count than their opponents — 67 to 64 — but Mavericks ace and England star Louisa Brownfield showed her class with 29 goals from 32 attempts.

Thunder, who were searching for their first win of the season, grew stronger as the match wore on and played their best netball in the final two quarters.

Beverley Lovatt was Thunder’s player-of-the-match, while new signing Rachel Henry made an impressive debut.

The team’s next match, at home to Leeds Carneige on Monday, December 15 (7.30pm), is on Sky Sports.