So one of the big questions in this season's Co-operative Netball Superleague has been answered; Surrey Storm will not go the whole year undefeated. Northern Thunder have ended the new side's unbeaten run with an 11-goal victory in Bury.
It was a strong performance in a keenly fought contest with the home side slipping behind at the start of the match. In front of the TV cameras, Thunder changed gear before the end of the first quarter they moved into a lead that they did not relinquish.
Defensive talk this season has focused largely on Surrey Storm's M'nM partnership, but with Mentor and Mkoloma now about to start in the ANZ championship the spotlight falls on their replacements. It was not a bad outing for Seaton and Reid, working together for the first time, they struck up a partnership that will be a work in progress for a while yet.
The centre court talk however has been all Thunder and Bayman Clarke and Henry excelled again in this outing running riot through the thirds. Hard, fast, flat passing has been the key to their dominance where efforts to tip or interception have come too late for the opposition, or resulted in the netballing agony of stumped fingers.
Karen Greig had another captain's performance under the post, leading the way by converting the turned over balls and she was ably backed up by Charlie Beenham. Their accuracy ensured that visitors Storm only won one quarter and the two goals landed did little to claw back the deficit.
In a fourth quarter push Thunder showed why the smart money has them down for a big finish to the season - but don't take my word for it watch it on Thursday, Sky Sports 4 at 1730.
After the match Northern Thunder skipper Karen Greig admitted that she had enjoyed herself. “It was a great game.”
“We maintained focus throughout and built on each quarter. We maintained composure when they came back at us in quarters 3 and 4. Jade (Clarke) put in some crucial moves, which we converted.”
Thunder’s Assistant coach Suzy Chapman revealed a little of their pre-match plan: “Before the game we talked about keeping our composure and maintaining consistency; that was evident in our performance. There was great leadership throughout the court, giving us key turnovers and confidence.”
“We never let them get comfortable, forcing them into errors and we made our turnovers count.”
“I am thrilled with our performance and definitely the result.”
With head coach Mary Beardwood unable to attend the match, Mel Mansfield stood in. “All credit to Thunder they played really well with some flawless netball at times" she told us. "We had some really good moments and three times got within five goals. We just need a little more time to gel our new combinations together”.
And Storm's new signing the former England player, Natalie Seaton had hoped for a different result on her debut, “I am gutted that we lost, but it was great to start the match and form some good links with Janet and Hannah already.”
By Lisa O'Sullivan
