Terrific Thunder pull plug on Bath

NETBALL: MANCHESTER Thunder won a place in Saturday’s ZEO Superleague Grand Final with a fantastic 43-37 win over Team Bath in front of a sell-out home crowd.

The Thunderdome was rocking for the semi-final and the play was goal-for-goal until the hosts’ wing attack Beth Cobden was judged out of court.

The decision was a turning point in the first quarter since it allowed Bath two goals in a row, to lead 14-11 at the first break.

The second quarter saw several unforced errors from both teams, and plenty of contact calls. Thunder struggled to get feed shooters Krista Enziano and Helen Housby.

But they managed to hold their own, aided by interceptions from Kerry Almond and Sara Bayman, and at half-time the difference remained at three (24-21).

Tracey Neville’s Thunder side emerged for the third quarter with renewed determination. Feeders Bayman and Beth Cobden took their time giving the ball to Housby and Enziano and it worked.

With five minutes of the quarter to go Thunder levelled the game, then edged in front.

The lead didn’t last as Bath went in front by two (32-30).

Thunder flew out of the blocks in the final quarter to score two quick goals, while Bath made unforced errors.

Almond came up with two interceptions, and they proved a game-changer.

Thunder kept possession for two minutes towards the end as they limited Bath to scoring only five goals in the quarter.

Thunder play Surrey Storm in the final on Saturday.