The Co-operative Netball Superleague Round 12 Game 4 Match Report

Round 12 Game 4 (Televised): Sky Sports

Team Northumbria (home) v Northern Thunder (away)

Westgate Centre for Sport, Newcastle upon Tyne

Monday 19^th January 2009, 7.30pm

UMPIRES: Dawn Heron / Janice Treasure

Progressive Score:

T.N - NT

Q1: 11-11

Q2: 23-24

Q3: 34-35

Q4: 40-47

It was a nail biting match tonight as Northern Thunder clinched the game in the final 15 minutes of play to beat Team Northumbria 47-40 in The Co-operative Netball Superleague.

From the outset the game had only 1 or 2 goals in it, both teams not being able to shake the other to take an advantage and build a lead in the first half.

11 a piece at the first break was the result of both teams putting in solid team efforts. All players on court carried on with their jobs and worked well together to bring about such a tough encounter.

Although Team Northumbria was just a mere 1 goal behind at half time, and still not much between the teams, it was Northern Thunder who was able to take the edge in the second half. Firstly by winning the third quarter by 3 goals and secondly by taking full advantage of crucial shots at goal missed by Team Northumbria shooters Carla Dziwoki and Talei Bari in the fourth and final quarter.

On a game running goal for goal Northern Thunder were able to sniff the win and swiftly bring the ball down court to Northern Thunder shooters Karen Greig and Charlotte Beenham who capitalised on Northumbria's missed opportunity, and as a result built a quick 4 goal advantage, continuing to score off their own centre passes. A four goal lead pushed forward to seven and the game was over 40-47 to Northern Thunder.

Sky Sports player of the match was awarded to Northern Thunder GA Charlotte Beenham, however Assistant Coach Suzy Chapman gave credit to her full squad tonight. She said: ‘A well fought game all the way through; it was close with 1 or 2 goals in it. In the fourth quarter we pulled back, fought for it and wanted it more. We had some excellent shooting and great defending in the last quarter giving the team a much needed lift to win the game.

‘Our performance was led by Karen Greig at the attack end in GS and Kerry Almond at the back end in GK.’ Chapman added.

Team Northumbria Coach Denise Egan indicated she felt the game was given away by Northumbria rather than won by Thunder when she said: ‘We didn't take the chances and our players need to step up and compete for all 4 quarters. For us fitness is an issue and players need to take ownership and take the chances when they can.’

‘Credit to thunder and again excellent shooting by the thunder duo, however we will look closely at the game and keep up beat for the next game.’ Said Egan.

Starting Line-Ups:

Team Northumbia:

GS: Carla Dziwoki

GA: Talei Bari

WA: Victoria Burgess

C: Marie Ewing

WD: Natalie Connor

GD: Abi Ryan

GK: Sarah Penny

Shooting Stats:

C. Dziwoki: 34/41

T. Bari: 6/13