Thunder’s shooting star

NETBALL: COACH Tracey Neville described Helen Housby as a “revelation” after her final-second goal clinched Zeo Superleague grand final glory.

Star shooter Housby showed incredible composure as Thunder beat Surrey Storm 49-48.

Neville said: “I am so proud of this group of players. They have won a game under incredible pressure. I have to congratulate Surrey Storm, but our will to win showed we wanted it that little bit more.

“Helen Housby has been a revelation. I would never have attempted that winning goal under that pressure. The whole team took their performance to another level.”

It had been a match of high drama and intensity, with both teams playing some of their best netball of the campaign. Heading into the final, Tamsin Greenway’s side boasted the best attack in the league and with Thunder the meanest defence, it was a mouth-watering prospect.

And the face-off certainly delivered.

The first quarter was understandably cagey, with unforced errors for both sides.

Thunder began the second period with a one-goal lead and remained composed and patient, though failed to capitalise on a clearly frustrated Storm.

The tension in the second half left Housby unfazed — she missed only two shots all game — and was food for thought for watching England coach Anna Mayes, soon to name her Commonwealth Games squad.

Thunder’s defensive duo Kerry Almond and Emma Dovey suffocated Storm’s attack, but interceptions proved illusive. Dovey was replaced by Jodie Gibson.

Thunder turned the ball over in the dying seconds following excellent pressure from Gibson. A number of nerve-shredding passes later, the ball was with 19-year-old Housby. Thunder's stand-out player of the season was again the hero, with a stunning long-range winner.