Thunder flashes name change

NETBALL: NORTHERN Thunder are starting the defence of their Fiat Netball Superleague title with a new name.

Instead of ‘Northern’ the club will be called Manchester Thunder.

The switch has been inspired by their city roots.

Last season Manchester City Council supported their home-venue move from Bury to Wright Robinson Sports College in Gorton, dubbing it the ‘Manchester Thunderdome’.

Thunder will introduce their new look to fans at the Fastnet tournament at the Manchester Thunderdome from January 4-6, 2013. They are the defending champions.

Debbie Hallas, Manchester Thunder club director, said: “It made sense. Manchester is already on the map for many sporting reasons, now we’re putting it on the map for top-flight netball, too.”