Northumbria Stun Superleague Rivals

Team Northumbria were in seventh heaven after finally breaking their Netball Superleague duck against expansion franchise Severn Stars tonight.

After six straight losses the pressure was on TN to kickstart their season in front of another boisterous Sport Central crowd.

But Te Aroha Keenan’s side rose to the occasion in some style to close out an stunning 61-39 win on Tyneside.

Returning favourite Noleen Lennon was granted clearance to start her second spell with TN 48 hours earlier as a replacement for sidelined England defender Leah Kennedy.

But the experienced Northern Ireland international shooter turned goal keeper wasn’t required as the previously winless hosts dominated from start to finish.

Throughout the first half TN looked like a different side to the team that had struggled to make a top flight impression in 2017.

Swift and direct through centre court and clinical in attack, Keenan’s side shot into a 9-5 first quarter lead and never looked back.

In-form Wales international Georgia Rowe and England star Chiara Semple caused chaos in the shooting circle.

And Tuaine Keenan had a sensational first half against Trinidad and Tobago shooter Afeisha Noel - the towering West Indian often forced to attempt the toughest of chances.

Centre Brie Grierson combined a series of pinpoint attacking passes with several key interceptions as she took her chance in the absence of the suspended Jaydene Robinson.

And TN went into the half-time interval 31-25 up against a Stars side with two Superleague wins under its belt.

Veteran Vicky Burgess replaced Tamsin Moala at wing attack in the third period before Claudia Heath was sent on to replace the injured Fi Toner.

With 30 seconds of the quarter remaining Noel suffered a heavy fall - forcing a lengthy stoppage as she received treatment on court.

And although the Stars’ goal shooter was finally able to walk to the sidelines nursing a knee injury, TN’s 44-28 lead will hardly have eased the pain.

Keenan’s side opened up a 20-goal lead with 11 minutes to play as the Stars faded dramatically.

And next Saturday’s homecourt clash against high-flying Loughborough Lightning can’t come soon enough for a team that has suddenly found its Superleague feet.