Northern Thunder has announced two incredible signings this week as Northern girls and England duo Sara Bayman and Jade Clarke join the team.
Clarke 26 from Partington has spent the past four years playing for Loughborough Lightning, whilst Bayman 24 from Wigan, has played an instrumental part in the success of the undefeated TeamBath side in The Co-operative Netball Superleague for four years.
Both Bayman and Clarke are at the top of their game, having played for England and the Superleague for over 12 years between them.
England international coach Sue Hawkins described Bayman and Clarke as specialist ball hunters, whilst Northern Thunder’s head coach, Mike Greenwood said: “I am delighted to welcome the return of the top class centre court players to Manchester as they are a fantastic addition to our team.
“We now have the skill and experience of two top class international performers and I’m confident they will add strength and pass on priceless knowledge to their fellow team members.”
Commenting on her move to Northern Thunder, Clarke said: “I am glad to get back to my roots and I am really looking forward to working with the coach that brought me through as a youngster. There is a lot of young talent in the Northern Thunder squad and with some hard work we can really make a push towards playoffs.”
Northern Thunder will play their first game away at the University of Bath on Thursday 10th December 2009. This game will be shown live on Sky Sports. The first home is at the Castle Leisure Centre in Bury on Sunday 13th December 2009 against strong contenders Surrey Storm and training is already underway.
The team will be hoping they are the ones to watch this season and strong contenders for the play offs and grand final in May 2010.
The Final Northern Thunder Squad Announced
Karen Greig – Goal Shooter
Krista Enziano - Goal Shooter
Vicky Phillips - Goal Attack
Charlotte Beenham – Goal Attack
Kathryn Turner- Goal Attack
Krystal Gayle- Wing Attack
Rachel Henry – Wing Attack
Jenna Astwood – Wing Attack
Helen Browne – Centre
Sara Bayman – Wing Defence/Centre
Jade Clarke - Wing Defence/Centre
Rachael Taylor – Wing Defence
Laura Malcolm - Wing Defence
Emma Dovey – Goal Defence
Kate Smith - Goal Defence
Jodie Gibson –Goal Keeper
Kerry Almond -Goal Keeper
Full fixture list and ticket details visit www.thundernetball.com