Lynsey makes instant impact

JUMP TO IT . . . Northern Thunder’s Kerry Almond tries to close down Team Bath’s Pam Cookey.

NETBALL: PLAYING in front of a record crowd of 1,197 for a match in the regular Fiat Superleague season, new girl Lynsey Armitage made an instant impact for Northern Thunder against Team Bath.

Armitage scored with all 11 attempts on the net to help Thunder to a brilliant win 52-49 at the Sports Training Village, Bath University.

The hosts won the opening quarter 19-12, with goal shooter Pam Cookey making 10 from 10. She was ably assisted by Asha Tett, who struck with nine from her 10 shots.

However, the tables were turned in the second quarter as Thunder’s shooters stepped up to the mark.

Goal shooter Karen Greig and goal attack Charley Beenham did not miss a beat, with 10 from 10 and eight from eight respectively.

The visitors went on a 10-goal run without Team Bath getting a look in.

A medical time-out with 12 minutes played of the second quarter allowed the hosts to switch personnel, but the damage was done with Thunder claiming the quarter 18 goals to seven.

The match took another twist after half-time. Stacey Francis, with a series of crowd-pleasing interceptions, helped Team Bath nose ahead by one goal with one quarter to play.

Thunder brought on new signing Armitage to goal shooter, with Greig moving to goal attack.

And she marked her debut with a bang-on 11 from 11 strike-rate.

The 15 goals in 15 minutes sealed the win for Thunder, who remain unbeaten in the Superleague.

Thunder captain Greig said: “We learnt from our mistakes early on.

“We maintained our composure and kept possession well.

“Everyone had a great game and it was good to get Lyndsey on for the final quarter — she definitely made an impact.”


THE match will be shown on Sky Sports 4 tomorrow at 5.30pm.