Neville’s anger as Thunder crash

NETBALL:

DIRECTOR of netball Tracey Neville didn’t mince her words about Thunder’s 63-44 defeat at Surrey Storm.

With the scores level at half-time, Thunder had their sights firmly set on top spot.

But it was Storm who assumed command..

She said: “Storm played well — they wanted it more than us.

“Players I expected to step up didn’t, and when you come out playing as individuals, expect to lose.”

Janelle Lawson came through a late fitness test to make the Thunder starting line-up, and she made an early impact.

All-square at the mid-way point, Neville rang the changes with Ellie Cardwell coming on at wing defence and Beth Cobden moving to wing attack. Lawson was switched to goal attack and Krista Enziano was placed at goal shooter.

Storm emerged with all guns blazing and Cobden was forced to call time out to stem the flow of points.

Henry, Thunder’s most effective attacker, was re-introduced at wing attack, but Storm continued in the same vein and built up a 44-33 lead.

Neville sent on youngsters Alice Travis at shooter and Helen Housby for her Superleague debut at goal attack.

After a shaky start, the two quickly settled and showed glimpses of hopefully what is to be a bright future, but it was Storm’s night.




A DEPLETED Oldham side were beaten 60-43 by local rivals Tameside in a Northern League clash.