It was a confident 61-39 victory for Thunder with a packed house roaring them on, Thunder started with the seven that has changed gear in the second half of the season.

 

This was always going to be a physical game with so much at stake for Leeds and the under-current of derby-day pride on the line. Afrika Morris was keen to make things tough for the home-side’s skipper and ensured Karen Greig had to work to keep the goals going in. Thunder dominated the opening exchanges to lead 16-10 at the first change of ends.

Northern Thunder have been getting slicker as the season has progress and it was no surprise to see them 31-19 up half-time. The ball zips down the court, hard, fast and flat and there’s a better than good chance that their shooting team will net the ball.

 

After the half-time break the crowd were excited and interested by the appearance of 6ft 2” Anastascia Wilson.  She admitted being nervous when she first took to the court but certainly settled down, returning an 85% success rate under the post.

 

There was a little bit of adjustment by the squad but it looks like a great signing, her elevation and athleticism could be useful in the run in. Fans “oohed” and “ahhed” at some of the moves and clearly approved.

 

It was 47-30 going into the last quarter where Thunder ramped up the effort and wrapped up the result taking the quarter 14-9, the match 61-39.

 

Karen Greig, Thunder’s skipper, thought is was a good consistent performance, “we knew Leeds would come out strong from the start but we stepped up quarter by quarter.”

“There were some great turnovers from defence which went through to goal and it’s an excellent result to take into tomorrow’s game.” ( Glasgow Wildcats.)

Thunder’s new Trinidad and Tobago goal shooter  Anastascia Wilson said “I was excited about going on to play whilst on the bench. I closely watched the players and their style incase I was called up to play. Once on court I was nervous but I settled and got comfortable and have enjoyed my first experience of the Co-operative Netball Superleague.”

 

Match Umpires

Gary Burgess and Ian Fuller with Jo Kelly