Thunder struck by late recovery

NETBALL:

NORTHERN Thunder crashed out of their Netball Superleague play-off by a single point.

Hertfordshire Mavericks snatched a heart–breaking

46–45 victory in the dying seconds in front of a stunned crowd at Bury’s Castle Leisure Centre.

Thunder looked set to repeat their recent 61-39 thrashing of the Hertfordshire side when they ran in six ahead at the end of the first quarter.

But the home team lost the second by eight goals before seizing the advantage again in the third.

With 15 minutes to go Thunder were ahead by three points, only to find themselves level at 45-45 in the final minute.

And the visitors snatched possession in the crucial final seconds, Ella Clarke landing the shot that gave them victory.

The Thunder players looked shell-shocked as the came off court and goal keeper Kerry Almond said: “I’m gutted we didn’t win. I felt we were on top for three quarters and it was our second quarter that let us down.

“We never let our heads drop when Mavericks came back at us and the crowd kept us going.”

Mavericks will now play Surrery Storm for the right to take on defending champions Team Bath in the grand final in Nottingham on May 15.

Thunder assistant coach Suzy Chapman wished them luck and said: “We are very proud of the journey we have travelled over the season. It has been a great six months and a great foundation for next year.”