Thunder in narrow win

JADE CLARKE and Sara Bayman battle to win possession for Thunder.

NORTHERN Thunder’s 60–51 Co-operative Netball Superleague win over Team Northumbria takes them into fourth place and a play-off spot.

Team Northumbria shooter Alex Wood was outstanding, missing only two shots in the match for a 95-per-cent success rate, but Thunder goal attack Charlie Beenham was also in cracking form with 19 goals from 20 first-half attempts as they took a slender lead.

Coach Mike Greenwood switched things around in the second half, with England pair Jade Clarke and Sara Bayman showing their versatility, although Northumbria’s shooting accuracy kept them in contention.

It all rested on the final quarter and the match was effectively decided by a couple of turnovers, the first by Clarke and the second by Kate Smith with excellent timing in her first full game of the season.

Thunder’s experience and fitness finally told as they edged clear in the closing minutes.

Thunder now look forward to a home double- header weekend, facing The Mavericks on Saturday (4pm) and Team Bath on Sunday (3pm).