Northern Thunder’s nine goal Co-operative Netball Superleague win over Team Northumbria takes them into a well deserved fourth place and play-off spot. Three shooters in this sizzler netted 90% or more of their shots during a superb test of netballing talent.

Northern Thunder  quickly set up a 3 goal lead in the first quarter helped by Northumbria’s penalty count. At the other end of the court ex England shooter Alex Wood was being serviced to easily from her experienced centre court feed and the quarter ended level 12-12

The second quarter saw no changes to the Thunder team it was a tight quarter seeing unforced errors from both teams. Thunders defence started to tip the ball but still could not gain possession. The rest of team continued to drive for every ball and with a couple of flying interceptions from Bayman and Clarke and  excellent shooting from Beenham (11/11), Thunder just nudged ahead 27-26.

The 3rd quarter saw the now familiar switch of Clarke and Baymen to WD and C respectively. Another close quarter saw Smith get the first rebound within Team North’s shooting circle. The defence were beginning to read Northumbria’s game and this lead to interceptions throughout the court and with 7 turnovers to Northumbria’s 2, Thunder lead the 3rd qtr 41-38.

The final quarter saw a very different game – from the start Thunder began to dominate. 6 interceptions leading to goals, great defence and fantastic shooting from captain Grieg. Thunder’s superior fitness over an experienced Northumbria team began to tell, linked with GS Karen Greig finally finding her range with 12 from 12 to win the game, final score 60-51.

Captain Karen Grieg was delighted with the win “ we had to dig in, a hard game but we kept our heads, fitness proved to be our winning strength and this sets us up well for next week’s double header against Mavericks and Team Bath”.