Thunder send Jets packing

NETBALL: TRACEY Neville’s Northern Thunder team swept aside Yorkshire Jets 57-36 in the first FIAT Netball Superleague clash of the season.

Former Manchester United favourites Gary and Phil Neville were joined by Red Devils star and Athletic fan Paul Scholes in the crowd to witness a fine performance.

Thunder initially struggled to control possession but were working hard in defence, Emma Dovey making a particularly athletic interception.

The hosts then stepped up a gear and started to dominate the middle third with Sara Bayman and Beth Cobden began to produce incisive feeds to Janelle Lawson and Krista Enziano.

The movement was good and the attacking duo regularly found themselves in space to build a Thunder lead.

Jets were still working hard and regularly recycled the ball, remaining patient around the circle as Nat Panagarry and Natalie Haythornthwaite produced fluent feeds into Jo Walker and Rachel Shaw. However, some inaccuracy from under the post cost the visitors dear and at the end of the first quarter they trailed Thunder 14-10.

The second saw the Jets falter with costly communication breakdowns as passes were misdirected and soft turnovers given to the home outfit.

A fantastic spell of possession with defensive combo of Dovey and Kerry Almond winning the majority of rebounds helped Thunder’s cause and Enziano and Lawson carried on the scoring, inspiring a 27-19 advantage at the interval.

Neville used the break to introduce Kathryn Turner to the shooting circle at the expense of Enziano.

A cautious beginning to proceeds at the start of the second half was finally broken with a goal from Shaw as Jets tried to force a fight back and regain some momentum. Thunder kept their tally ticking over.

A good defence coupled with the efforts of Dovey and Bayman in mid-court saw Neville’s team dominate proceedings and kill the match as a contest, with Thunder entering the final quarter 45-23 to the good.

Jets did show spirit and pride as they battled to win the quarter by the single goal but the outcome was never in doubt.

England stalwart Bayman deservedly picked up the player of the match award, chosen by Scholes.