Neville’s sights on quick start

READY for the season: Emma Dovey

NETBALL:

NORTHERN Thunder director of netball Tracy Neville is targeting a strong start in the forthcoming season.

Neville, who took over the reins last month, has named a 15-strong squad which will open the season with a Roses clash against Yorkshire Jets on Monday, January 23.

Five new faces have come into the squad which last term narrowly missed out on an appearance in UK netball’s showcase event — the Fiat Netball Superleague grand final.

Despite the loss of influential centre court player Jade Clarke, who has gone 'down under' to play in the Australia and New Zealand Championship this season, Thunder still boast England talents Sara Bayman and Emma Dovey, plus formerinternational Karen Greig.

“We’ve selected a strong, talented squad with a great blend of youth and experience," Neville said.

“Many of the squad tasted the excitement of getting close to the grand final last year and are hungry to take it one step further this season.”

Northern Thunder squad: Shooters: Karen Greig, Janelle Lawson, Krista Enziano, Kathryn Turner. Centre Court: Maria McAndrew, Beth Cobden, Sara Bayman, Dani Bloomfield, Laura Malcolm, Rachel Henry. Defence: Kerry Almond, Eleanor Cardwell, Georgie Webster, Emma Dovey, Alex Lodge.