Thunder storm to Fast Net glory

Photo: Pictures courtesy of backpageimages.com

ALL-STAR CAST . . . Northern Thunder are in high spirits after beating Yorkshire Jets 35-21 in the Cathedral City Fastnet tournament at Surrey Sport Park.

NETBALL: 
 
NORTHERN Thunder were crowned Cathedral City Fast Net champions after a stylish 35-21 victory over rivals Yorkshire Jets at Surrey Sport Park.

The morale-boosting triumph could hardly be more timely, with Thunder getting their Fiat Netball Superleague campaign under way against the same opponents on Monday (8pm).

Head coach Tracey Neville chose to take the powerplay in the first quarter. Shooter Krista Enziano broke the deadlock as Thunder built an 8-1 lead. Jets closed the gap but a four-pointer from Enziano ensured a 16-6 advantage.

Jets produced a four-pointer of their own early in the second, which led Sara Bayman, Laura Malcolm and Emma Dovey to take the game by the scruff of its neck and snuff out the Yorkshire attack. Thunder led by seven going into the third, which was a scrappy affair.
Neville’s charges entered the final quarter 28-19 to the good. They then took complete control and Janelle Lawson slotted in a three-point goal at the death following a penalty.

Neville said: “The girls worked hard and produced some great netball and turned the ball over when it mattered.”

The high octane win came after a 27-21 victory over Surrey Storm.

Neville took first powerplay and the strategy worked as Thunder gained an early advantage and Storm were always on the back foot.

This put their shooters under pressure and Rachel Dunn struggled. Thunder worked hard in defence and captain Bayman and fellow mid-courter Malcolm stood-out, turning over the ball with ease.

Surrey took their powerplay in the third quarter and plundered goals through Pamela Cookey and Dunn, but Thunder soon got back on top with an impressive interception from Kerry Almond.

Thunder played the possession game trying to run the clock down and stop Surrey benefiting during their powerplay.

In the final quarter it was all to play for with the scores at 22-19 in Thunder’s favour.

The hosts’ attempts on goal were off-the-mark towards the end and Thunder finished strongly.