Tuesday 27 January 2015 22:07, UK
Manchester Thunder opened the 2015 Netball Superleague with a 55-52 win over rivals Surrey Storm in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
There were starts for new signings for both clubs, with Pam Cookey stepping into Surrey's Goal Attack bib and Thunder's Australian import Chelsea Pitman making her debut in England at Wing Attack.
It was Pitman who shone throughout the match, her powerful drives across court and quick hands and feet enabling Thunder to take a four-goal lead early in the first quarter.
Pitman's characteristic quick directional changes left Storm's defensive unit railed and gave Thunder's Helen Housby, who had been shifted to Goal Shooter for this match, plenty of opportunities on goal which the England star took with her usual cool and collected style.
Thunder Goal Defence Emma Dovey was effective throughout the match. She kept England captain Cookey under close watch and a tight defence throughout the second quarter, preventing her, and shooting partner Rachel Dunn, from building any momentum with their movement in the circle.
Storm's new attacking trio of Cookey, Tamsin Greenway and Dunn seemed a little off colour under the excellent pressure of Dovey and Laura Malcolm at Wing Defence, who were both reading any cross-court ball and preventing the quick ball-to-circle passing that we are so used to seeing from Surrey.
Player-coach Greenway would make it clear that Storm's contact calls around the defensive end needed to be tidied up at half-time and upon their return to the court, they looked revitalised.
The introduction of Mikki Austin at Centre added some bite to the Storm midcourt, who had been struggling with the dominant Pitman and Sara Bayman in the middle. She helped them connect the attack up more and get them within five goals in quarter three.
Dunn and Cookey switched for the final quarter and the new partnership improved their connectivity and the lateral movement, enabling them get back within three goals in the final few minutes.
But despite Storm's comeback, Thunder held their heads to withstand the push from the visitors to hold out for a 55-52 win.
After the game, Player of the Match Chelsea Pitman told Sky Sports Netball: "It wasn't easy at all, just look at the score line. We had a good lead but let it drop.
"I found it quite hard and towards the end of the game; I had two defenders on me, a few more held balls than I'm used to, and I'm still fitting into the squad and teaching the girls a few things us Australians do."
Her coach Tracey Neville was impressed with her new signing, but disappointed her side did not take advantage of the 13-goal lead they had in the first half.
She said: "Aspects of the game I was bit disappointed with. I think we could have pushed on but we let them back into the game.
"The Defence was outstanding particularly in the first half.
"Up to about Saturday, we couldn't catch a ball. She [Pitman] brings a bit of energy, she's been like the cement.
"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster with players getting on and off. I did expect some better possession.
"I think everybody has upped their game and that's a real positive for English netball. I did expect this game to go to a draw. They just keep running us into the ground. Congratulation to Tamsin's team, they never give up."
Next match...
