Thunder go third

NETBALL: NORTHERN Thunder beat Hertfordshire Mavericks 41-21 and in doing so moved into third place in the Co-operative Netball Superleague.

Thunder were missing Karen Grieg for the trip to the Hertfordshire Sports Village but their hosts were missing a number of key players.

The visitors took advantage after an early turnover and had first centre to go into a 3-1 lead, but Mavericks picked up the pace and got back on terms with 11 minutes played.

Thunder pinned down the home side mid-court, leaving them few options for passing and by shutting down the first choice route were able to close out the quarter 14-10.

Quarter two and Mavericks produced three goals before a time out.

Thunder made their Bayman-Clarke switch at the break with the players swapping bibs.

It saw Thunder on top and they extended their lead to 21-27 at half-time.

In the third quarter Anastascia Wilson and Charley Beenham were rolling Thunder into an impressive match winning lead, 20 goals up going into the last 15 minutes.

And it was another strong showing in the final quarter by the visitors who saw the game out.