Thunder weather early storm

STUDY IN CONCENTRATION: Janelle Lawson

Yorkshire Jets 46, Manchester Thunder 60

THUNDER made a winning start to the 2013 Superleague season in this War of the Roses battle at the superb new 500-seater arena at Leeds Metropolitan University.

The Yorkshire side was clearly up for the game in front of a partisan crowd and quickly found their range. They established a 12-11 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Thunder coach Tracey Neville brought on the experienced Sam Holt at goal keeper and Rachel Henry at wing attack and this changed the dynamic of the game. Henry made an early impact as Thunder led 29-24 at half-time.

The third quarter saw coach Neville give 16-year-old shooter Alice Travis of Hulme Grammar School her Superleague debut.

They outwitted the Jets defence on several occasions.

The Thunder attack struggled but still managed to increase their lead to 45-34.

In the final quarter, Thunder shuffled the pack again and ended the game 14 goals clear,