Mavericks clash too close to call

NETBALL:

THUNDER are in great shape for tomorrow’s Fiat Superleague play-off encounter against Hertfordshire Mavericks, which is being shown live on Sky Sports (7.30pm).

Tracey Neville’s side finished top of the Challenger League after they swept aside Yorkshire Jets 62-47.

Attention now switches to what should be an intriguing clash at the University of Hertfordshire.

Mavericks beat Thunder by a solitary goal earlier in the campaign, so this latest meeting appears too close to call.

Thunder were desperate to put on a good show against Jets partly for team-mate Laura Malcolm, ruled out as she attended her father’s funeral.

The scoring in the opening quarter was goal-for-goal, until a great intercept from in-form wing attack Rachel Henry turned the tide.

Leading 14-12 at the first break, Thunder had extended their advantage to 31-22 by half-time.

Bayman and Janelle Lawson, who were both finding their feet after injury, sat out the third period. Alice Travis replaced the latter at goal shooter, but it did not halt Thunder’s momentum.

By the end of the third quarter, Thunder were clear at 47-34 and starting to look comfortable.

For the final quarter, Neville gave court time to the youngsters in her squad. Helen Housby played goal attack, while Emma Cardwell moved back to goal keeper and Georgie Webster came into the wing defence position.