NETBALL:Table-toppers Team Bath subjected Thunder to a 17-goal defeat in an impressive display in front of a packed Castle Leisure Centre in Bury.

The result was never really in doubt, but that did not matter to the crowd who had plenty to shout about in a classy display of attacking neball.

The hosts knew it would be tough game, having been hung out to dry 78-34 by Bath in the away fixture. It was always going to be about damage limitation and they were successful in holding the line more firmly this time round.

Focusing on the positives, 18-year-old Alexa Collier may be one to watch, she played the last quarter at goal-attack replacing a jaded Charlotte Beenham, working very well with her shooter Karen Greig.

Thunder’s player of the match, Helen Browne, said: “We fought all the way through the game and were defensively strong through the whole of the court”.

Team Bath were understandably pleased with the evening’s work. Coach Jess Garland was happy that she had the chance to move her team around in what she described as a difficult contest.

She said: “I’m glad I could field 11 of the squad as we build toward the final stage of the season.”

And she paid tribute to wing defence Serena Guthrie added: “Her turnover of the ball was good and she is very composed for a young player”.

Northern Thunder will head to Hatfield in Hertfordshire on Friday, February 6, to take on Mavericks.