Thunder and lightning

NETBALL:

NORTHERN Thunder warmed their travelling support with an emphatic 66-34 win at Loughborough Lightning in the FIAT Superleague.

Quick out of the blocks, Thunder soon had their hosts in trouble thanks to the exploits of Karen Greig and Janelle Lawson.

Combining perfectly, they collected feeds from both wing attack and centre, and were a cut above their counterparts.

Thunder never looked back after easing into a 23-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

They had height and experience in their favour and obtained a large majority of the rebounds.

In defence, Emma Dovey and Kerry Almond were imperious as they kept the Lightning attack at bay.

Lightning were better in the second quarter and won it by a two-point margin at 12-10.

Greig was replaced at half-time, with young Kathryn Turner coming on at goal attack.

Displaying a great work ethic, Turner finished up with a 100-per-cent strike-rate.

Thunder’s play from this point was often spectacular, with balls executed with precision and great movement down court. It was faultless stuff and Lightning had no answer.

Tracey Neville, the Thunder coach, said: “There are plenty of positives, especially how we started and finished the game.

“We were also able to finish with our babies on the court, and they are the future of Northern Thunder.

“I thought they came on and performed really well. That was exciting to watch.”

With three wins out of three, Thunder are joint leaders with Surrey Storm.

They are the only two sides to have won their first three encounters of the season.