Thunder in the pink

NORTHERN Thunder had no trouble disposing of Team Northumbria in the FIAT Netball Superleague, with the 71-35 win emphasising the strength in depth of Tracey Neville’s squad.

With Australian import Janelle Lawson on the bench alongside Emma Dovey (pictured), Thunder fielded a new-look line-up but it did not prevent them from powering to a sixth victory on the bounce.

Thunder, decked out in pink and grey kit in aid of Cancer Research, eased into a 5-1 lead, with Eleanor Cardwell (goal defence) and Kerry Almond making some fine tips.

England’s Sara Bayman also stood out, with her great work ethic and feeds into the circle troubling Northumbria. Thunder’s lead at the end of the quarter was 16-8, and they continued to dominate the scoreline after the first break.

It was a game full of chances for Thunder, which Karen Greig often converted to finish with a 77-per-cent strike rate (28 goals from 36 attempts). The lead was 36-20 at half-time, at which stage Neville introduced Beth Cobden, Dovey and Lawson. Lawson and Krista Enziano (32 out of 36, 88-per-cent strike rate) linked superbly and Thunder continued to pull away.

Heading into the final quarter, the advantage was 60-27 and once again Neville changed her combinations. Northumbria were running on fumes as they tried in vain to break through the home side’s defence, but too many basic errors and passing issues let them down.

Thunder were leaving nothing on court and ran-out deserved winners to remain undefeated in all forms of netball in 2012.