STRONG THUNDER SQUAD ANNOUNCED FOR NEW SEASON

The North West’s national Fiat Netball Superleague club has announced a strong squad for the start of the new season in January.

Director of Netball Tracy Neville has selected a 15-strong squad which will open the season with a Roses clash against Yorkshire Jets on January 23.

The squad boasts internationals Sara Bayman and Emma Dovey plus ex-international Karen Greig and has five new faces from last year’s squad which narrowly missed out on an appearance in UK netball’s showcase event – the Fiat Netball Superleague Grand Final.

Neville, who took over the reins as Director of Northern Thunder in October, will be without influential centre court player Jade Clarke who has elected to play in the ANZ Championships this season.

However, the squad has a wealth of talent and experience and Neville is keen for the new season to start.

She said: “We’ve selected a strong, talented squad with a great blend of youth and experience. Many of the squad tasted the excitement of getting close to the Grand Final last year and are hungry to take it one step further this season.

“We’re looking forward to starting the season with a home match against Yorkshire Jets at our new venue, Wright Robinson Sports College, and we’re expecting to kick off the campaign with a win.”

The new Northern Thunder squad is:

Shooters – Karen Grieg, Janelle Lawson, Krista Enziano, Kathryn Turner;

Centre Court – Maria McAndrew, Beth Cobden, Sara Bayman, Dani Bloomfield, Laura Malcolm, Rachel Henry;

Defence –Kerry Almond, Eleanor Cardwell, Georgie Webster, Emma Dovey, Alex Lodge.

Press inquiries should be directed to Debbie Hallas on 07970 064625