Photo: Mark Harris

The visitors underlined their title credentials during a dominant first quarter which set the platform for an 82-50 victory in front of another 1,200-strong crowd at the Team Bath Arena

The Blue & Gold fought throughout, though, and a much-improved second-half display – inspired by a raft of pre-planned changes to the on-court combination – saw them deservedly bring up a half-century of goals against strong opposition.

Asha Francis, Team Bath Netball Head Coach, said: “There were some of those crass errors that we’ve said are unacceptable and we need to address those but there were again several positives.

“We had a plan to tackle the dip in the third quarter that has been an issue in recent games and had already decided we would make a wholesale shift in the second half to see what fresh legs and fresh combinations would deliver for us.

“That worked really well and also changed up tactically what the opposition had to think about. That’s a real positive for us, it was a good opportunity to try that out against the very best and it had real purpose. What we have learnt from this game will set us up really well for our remaining matches.”

Thunder, who included former Team Bath Super League stars Imogen Allison and Paige Reed in their starting line-up, have already booked their place in the play-offs but still need the points to secure a home semi-final and came out with all guns blazing.

They dominated the first quarter, forcing several errors and limiting the hosts to just 11 shots while Reed and GS Elmere van der Berg boasted a 100 per cent conversion rate at the other end as Thunder went into the break with a healthy 23-9 lead.

Francis had made a couple of positional changes during that quarter, introducing GA Kadeen Corbin and WD Lily-May Catling from the bench while moving Jayda Pechova and Tash Pavelin – both named this week in the Vitality Roses programme for 2024-25 – to GK and GD respectively.

Team Bath were working hard and producing some nice moments of play but there was no drop-off in Thunder’s relentless pressure as they stretched their half-time lead to 43-21.

Team Bath made wholesale changes for the third quarter as Sophie Kelly and Lisa Putt returned to court, while Emma Barrie and Kirsty Harris came on at GS and WA respectively. Thunder also made several changes, with Allison and Reed among the players taking to the bench.

It made for a much more competitive second half, with Kelly and Barrie dovetailing well in attack to produce several moments that had the crowd in full voice. Team Bath put together their best run of the game, a four-goal burst, and while Thunder responded in kind the visitors only edged a high-scoring third quarter 22-18.

That meant they took a 65-39 lead into a final quarter which again saw Team Bath put up a good battle, for which they were rewarded when Kelly brought up their half-century of goals in the final minute.

Pavelin was voted by the fans as winner of Team Bath’s Most Valuable Player Award, sponsored by Results Body+Mind, and received a bouquet, supplied by Flowers of Bath, from Team Bath Netball’s Franchise Manager Emily Siddy.

Next up for the Blue & Gold is their last home match of the season against Strathclyde Sirens on Friday 31st May. Centre-pass is 7.30pm and the game will be preceded by an end-of-season pizza party from 6-7pm. Purchase tickets online at https://netball.teambath.com/tickets.

Team Bath Netball is supported by Bath Building Society and Rengen Developments, who are both overall Team Bath Partners. Flyhawk supply Team Bath’s performance clothing and off-court apparel.

Match stats

Team Bath Netball starting combination: GS Sloan Burton, GA Sophie Kelly, WA Bethan Dyke, C Phoebe Maslen, WD Tash Pavelin, GD Jayda Pechova, GK Lisa Putt. Impact players: Emma Barrie, Kadeen Corbin, Lily-May Catling, Ellie Ervine, Kirsty Harris.

Manchester Thunder starting combination: GS Elmere van der Berg, GA Paige Reed, WA Lois Pearson, C Amy Carter, WD Imogen Allison, GD Shadine van der Merwe, GK Josie Huckle. Impact players: Kerry Almond, Ella Bowen, Taylor McKevitt, Natalie Metcalf, Anya Williams.

Quarter scores (Team Bath first): Q1 9-23. Q2 21-43 (12-20). Q3 39-65 (18-22). Q4 50-82 (11-17).

Attendance: 1,200.

Team Bath Fans’ MVP, sponsored by Results Body+Mind: Tash Pavelin.

With thanks to Team Bath

Elmerè van der Berg

With the unfortunate withdrawal of Lenize Potgieter due to medical reasons, Thunder will be welcoming van der Berg, another dynamic Proteas shooter who deputised in the Netball World Cup. At 191cm tall (6’3”), the 22-year-old had some impressive performances in Cape Town at the Netball World Cup and also became a perfect replacement for club as well as country.

Introducing herself, van der Berg said, “I’m a goal attack/goal shooter and I’d say I play mostly an aerial game because I can jump very high and I’m a fast player and a strong player in the air.”

“I’m very excited to be able to come over to the UK and play, and there’s loads of opportunities that I can get going there. I heard the club [Thunder] is like a small family and everyone gets along well, so I’m looking forward to being able to experience all of that.”

Her international netball journey started at 17-years-old playing in South Africa’s regional competition in Botswana. In 2021, van der Berg got called up for the U21 Baby Proteas team which didn’t happen due to covid. Then at only 20-years-old she made her debut for The Proteas in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and was also named ‘The Best Shooter’ in the Africa Netball World Cup qualifiers. Her talents continued as she stepped up for the South African World Cup squad this year where she gave another stand out performance, promising Thunder an exciting season ahead.

Van der Berg said, “It was a huge honour and privilege to represent my country on home soil in the World Cup and I don’t think I’ll ever experience an event like that again in South Africa. The first game against Wales, everyone was crying singing the national anthem because it was so beautiful and the whole country stood together and sang the anthem. It was a huge privilege and honour for me and I’m very grateful I got the opportunity.”

Karen Greig, Manchester Thunder Head Coach said, “I’m so excited to have secured Elmerè’s signature for the 2024 season. I have kept a close eye on her progression over the last few seasons at both the Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cup. She is an exciting young athlete who can comfortably play GS and GA and isn’t afraid to shoot from range, which will give us flexibility across our shooting unit this season. I can’t wait to welcome Elmerè to the Thunder family and get started.“

Excited to join the Thunder team this season and get a taste of the UK Netball Super League, she will also be joining her South African teammate Shadine van der Merwe. Van der Berg said, “We actually roomed in the Commonwealth Games so we are very familiar with each other and I’m excited to play with her at Manchester Thunder and to be on the same court as she is. She’s a great girl and we are actually great friends so I’m very excited to be able to play with her this season.“

Van der Berg concluded, “I’m very excited to go over there away from home, experiencing another country and standing on my own two feet. I think that’s what most young people actually need to be able to understand responsibility. I would love to bring the determination I have and the spirit of never giving up and to keep on working hard even when you don’t feel like it and my sense of humour too!”

With thanks to Manchester Thunder

Fresh from the superlative silver medal win at the Netball World Cup, England Roses co-captain, Natalie Metcalf, has re-signed for another season with Manchester Thunder. With inspiring leadership skills and unrivalled ability on the ball, Metcalf’s return is a huge bolster to Thunder’s mid-court, as she joins England team-mates Imogen Allison and Amy Carter who have already been announced in the 2024 squad.

Thirty-year-old Metcalf said, “I absolutely love the environment at Thunder, and I think the people are incredible. The players are amazing, the coaches, the staff, everyone. It’s a massive, combined effort to make Thunder who they are and there’s a massive family feel amongst the team. Thinking about playing for Thunder again this season is really exciting.”

Signing from Australia’s New South Wales Swifts at the start of the 2022 season, Metcalf quickly helped Manchester Thunder make history by going unbeaten for all 22 games and winning the Netball Super League trophy. In 2023, with the departure of captain Laura Malcolm, head coach, Karen Greig, appointed Metcalf as captain, and built a strong leadership team with Kerry Almond and Shadine van der Merwe as vice-captains.

In the 2023 season, Metcalf topped the Netball Super League table with 622 feeds, as well as scoring 51 goals when she played as Goal Attack. Metcalf said, “In the 2023 season, I loved the coming together of a new group and it was a new chapter for us. We welcomed lots of girls back to Thunder after their time away, and I think to get that camaraderie amongst the group and play with new players was really exciting, and what we achieved was amazing.”

Karen Greig said, “I could not be happier to re-sign our captain fantastic, and Nat is invaluable to us both on and off the court. On court she has the most amazing skill to sight a pass in a split second and deliver a pinpoint pass. Her work ethic both in attack and defence sees her to continually put out solid performances for us. Off court she was the perfect leader in 2023, and her ability to pull together a group of athletes with different personalities and really continue to grow our family culture is really precious to us. I can’t wait to have Nat back in the fold next season.’

Looking at the season ahead, Metcalf said, “I think that we’re definitely going for that title. I think any time you start a season that’s your goal, and that’s what we want to aim for. We fell short in 2023 at not becoming defending champions but I think finishing in third was something we were all really proud of and we want to go one better and get into that final and we want to bring that trophy home for 2024.”

Talking about her recent Netball World Cup campaign, Metcalf said, “It was an amazing honour to co-captain alongside Layla Guscoth. We’ve grown up through the ranks in our England program together, so to captain alongside her was an incredible honour and just to put on the red dress and play for England in the World Cup Final and get on that podium with a silver medal was an incredible achievement.”

Manchester Thunder have recently announced that ex-captain and current England Rose team-mate, Laura Malcolm, is returning to Thunder as a new technical support coach.

As someone Metcalf has played with throughout her netball journey she said, “I think she’s [Laura] going to be brilliant. I think as a coach or player, Malcolm is one of the smartest players I’ve ever come across. She loves the game, she loves learning about the game, and she loves sharing her knowledge, so I’m definitely going to be picking her brain every game for tactics and insight. I think for her to step into this role, Thunder is massively appreciative and grateful to have her back on board. She had an incredible season out in New Zealand, so to welcome her back in this new role is something we are excited about.”

With thanks to Manchester Thunder

After leaving Manchester Thunder in 2022 and playing overseas for Mainland Tactix in New Zealand for the past year, Manchester Thunder are ecstatic to announce the return of England Roses player, Laura Malcom, as their new Technical Support Coach for their Super League squad and Head of Pathways for the 2024 season.

Malcolm has shared all four Manchester Thunder Netball Super League titles with them, highlighting her true commitment and impact she has had on the team. Manchester Thunder Head Coach and Franchise Director Karen Greig, says, “I am really excited that we are able to announce in my first staff recruitment as Franchise Director the appointment of Laura Malcolm. Having worked with Laura before when she was our Pathway Head coach, I know she has the attributes to be successful in this new position and I am excited to be working alongside her once again.”

Greig explains, ‘‘This is a key role within our new structure as a club. Laura will work closely with our Pathway Head Coach Lauren Palmer to ensure continued success of our pathways and development of the athletes in our programmes.”

As a player who has always been impactful on and off the court, helping the England Roses secure a silver medal at the 2023 Netball World Cup, having Malcolm integrated into the Manchester Thunder Pathway scheme is designed to help develop their athletes effectively.

Not only will Malcolm be supporting the Pathway but she will also head the new Abu Dhabi Academy. This has been set up to help girls in Abu Dhabi develop their netball skills through weekly training sessions from our Manchester Thunder Pathway Programme plus holiday camps, competitive matches and overseas tours.

Giving young girls access to netball coaching is something Malcolm is a driving force for as she also runs her own netball business where she coaches sessions online encouraging people to play no matter their background.

Malcolm said, “I’m so happy to be back in the Manchester Thunder fold. Although things are looking a little different for me this season, the love and passion I have for this franchise remains the same. It’s a real honour to be linking in with one of the most successful coaching teams in the NSL [Netball Super League] and to head up the Thunder Pathways. This franchise continues to move in the right direction and I’m delighted to re-join the journey.”

She concluded, “I’m counting down the days until I see and hear all you crazy but amazing Thunder fans again, it’s been too long!”

With thanks to Manchester Thunder

Tracey Neville and Assistant Coach Suzy Chapman with Karen Greig 20 May 2012 (Photo by Ben Queenborough/Shutterstock) 

Greig’s journey started in 1995 when she was selected for the England U16s squad, going onto represent Netball Europe touring Australia, Trinidad and Barbados. She went on to make the U19s and U21 squads and made her international debut against New Zealand in the Netball World Cup in 2003. Alongside this, she was present in the birth of Manchester Thunder, previously known as Northern Thunder, in 2001. From 2001-2005 she played in the AENA Super Cup, pausing with an injury the following year.

Greig came back fighting after her injury, returning to Thunder as Captain and winning the Netball Super League title in her last game before retirement in 2012. Finishing here was not a question for Greig, and she came back to Thunder as a Technical Coach, bridging the gap between players and coaches which helped create the close bond in the Thunder family. In 2014, Tracey Neville promoted Greig to Assistant Coach for two seasons, where she gained valuable experience before taking over from Dan Ryan as Head Coach in August 2016.

During her time with Manchester Thunder, Greig has been involved in all four Netball Super League titles plus winning Fast5 Netball All-Stars for the first time in 2023. She has also had several roles with England Netball, where she has worked as Head Coach of North West Performance Pathway, Roses Academy Selector, Netball World Cup Assistant Coach and U21 Head Coach. Greig’s experience is invaluable to Manchester Thunder and with a win ratio of 82% and never ranking lower than 3rd place, having Greig return as Head Coach and her new role of Franchise Director, gives a promising look to the 2024 season.

Greig says, “I am so grateful to Manchester Thunder for believing in me and trusting that I am able to work in this capacity in what I believe to be the best Super League Franchise in the country. As our sport is ever evolving, at Thunder we remain ambitious in plans both on and off the court from our Pathway to Super League. We are looking to regain the Netball Super League title in the 2024 season and we look to continue the success in our Pathway, grow our local community engagement and also our netball academies in Abu Dhabi.”

She added “It’s going to be a huge challenge for me but one I can’t wait to get my teeth sunk into.”

With thanks to Manchester Thunder

Initially focused on understanding participation, player retention and overall athlete experience, the programme will identify key themes and reasons for participation and drop out to help design and implement methods that will support para-netball growth and engagement. It is anticipated that this will inform training programmes and will form the basis of follow-on research projects in areas such as training adaptation, athlete enablement and support.

The multi-faceted programme will bring together a task force of leading researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport, who working alongside Manchester Thunder’s Head of ParaNetball will provide access to hands on experience across an array of disciplines such as, applied sport and para-sport physiology, biomechanics of injury, performance analysis, performance psychology, and sport coaching in the community, to name a few.

Christina Langley, Doctor of Musculoskeletal Health, and Performance Physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport said: “This programme represents yet another example of the strength of our partnership with Manchester Thunder. The Institute of Sport’s purpose is to push boundaries, improve lives and shape society and working with Thunder’s ParaNetball programme we have the potential to achieve this in a very real way.

“Our approach of conducting research directly on the intended end-users and working with Manchester Thunder to embed the research directly within the club, we maximise relevance, whilst setting new standards.”

Richard Evans, England Netball’s Strategic Lead for Disability and Inclusion, noted: “The number of D/deaf and disabled women and girls playing netball is growing year on year. To ensure this trend continues it is important that we also look to grow our understanding of the D/deaf and disabled community and the drivers behind them taking up ParaNetball. This collaboration looks to build on the experiences of players to help shape good practice in this new and exciting area of our sport”.

Christine Shillington, Nichols plc’s People and Sustainability Director, noted: “When we announced our partnership with Manchester Thunder to support the growth of ParaNetball, this is exactly what we had in mind. The partnership is already having a real impact in the community, and the engagement of the North West’s leading academics will act as a further catalyst for our ambitious plans”.

Katie Thompson, Manchester Thunder’s Head of ParaNetball, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Manchester Metropolitan University to break new ground in understanding what is possible for our ParaNetball athletes.

“The experience and capabilities they bring will ensure that we deliver best-practice aligned training and athlete support at all times and will enable us to continue growing throughout the North West in a considered, supportive and empowering manner.”

The joint research project will begin in June 2023.

With thanks to Manchester Thunder

A memorable last home game of the 2023 season saw the Haines Watts-sponsored Blue & Gold provide a 1,700-strong crowd in the Team Bath Arena with plenty to cheer as they took a 38-33 lead into half-time.

Thunder used all of their experience to claw their way back into the game but it wasn’t until the last couple of minutes that they were finally able to put the match to bed as tenacious Team Bath fought right to the end of a high-scoring encounter.

Asha Francis, Team Bath Netball Head Coach, said: “I am incredibly proud of the performance and the whole squad, especially in the second-half when we knew Thunder would come back firing. We didn’t let them blast out the scoreline or take control, we kept with them right to the end and gave it everything we got. We adapted, stayed connected and had the freedom to really go for it in the last quarter.”

Nineteen-year-old Phoebe Maslen, voted as Most Valuable Player following an outstanding home debut at wing-defence, added: “Today was such a thrilling experience, especially with the noise from the home fans. I loved it. We all worked really hard and showed what we can do against a top team like Thunder.”

Team Bath were determined to put on a show for the home fans and signalled their intent in the opening seconds with a fantastic interception from Jayda Pechova. The goal-keeper – one of three teenagers in the Blue & Gold starting combination – produced another turnover soon after to spark a run of five successive goals for the hosts.

Betsy Creak and Sophie Kelly were shooting with confidence and also winning the rebounds as Team Bath maintained their advantage before Thunder, spearheaded by former Blue & Gold goal-shooter Lenize Potgieter, gradually eased their way back into the game.

They edged ahead with three minutes of the first quarter remaining but could only take an 18-17 lead into the break and found themselves behind again when Team Bath forced the first turnover of the second period.

The hosts were in tenacious mood, epitomised by Ali Wilshier when she saw a feed go long but won the ball back from the restart and immediately teed up Creak for another fine finish.

Outstanding debutant Maslen, centre Bethan Dyke and captain Lily-May Catling were also forcing Thunder into errors as supremely-confident finishing from all round the circle by the excellent Kelly kept Team Bath’s noses in front.

They weren’t quite able to put ground between themselves and Thunder until the closing couple of minutes when Team Bath capitalised fully on a couple of turnovers to stretch their half-time lead to 38-33, winning perhaps their best quarter of the season 21-15.

The hosts looked set to carry that form into the third quarter as they quickly stretched their advantage to seven goals but the introduction of South African international Shadine Van Der Merwe and the vastly-experienced Emma Dovey into the Thunder defence began to have a big impact

It was Thunder who were now forcing the turnovers and they scored 10 of the next 11 goals to flip the game on its head. However, with the home crowd roaring them on and Caroline Mtukule and Kadeen Corbin making an impact off the bench, Team Bath were able to slow the visitors’ momentum and were just 51-50 behind going into the final quarter.

Team Bath scored the first two goals of that period but Thunder were able to respond and opened up a four-goal advantage, only for the home side to come back once again. They cut the gap to one and had the ball in hand but were not quite able to level, giving the visitors the chance to finally grab some breathing space.

The lead was six with a minute to go but the Blue & Gold finished strongly and three quickfire Creak goals ensured the final scoreline reflected their brilliant efforts.

Team Bath now have three away fixtures to conclude their 2023 Super League season – against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 20th May (3pm), Saracens Mavericks on Monday 22nd May (5.30pm) and Loughborough Lightning on Friday 2nd June (7.30pm).

Team Bath Netball is supported by its Principal and Pathway Partner, chartered accountants Haines Watts; Bath Building Society and Rengen Developments, who are overall Team Bath Partners; Centurion Chartered Financial Planners; Ecus Ltd, our environment partner; and PDS Coaching, who provide performance mentoring. Team Bath’s suppliers include O’Neills and 2XU.

Match stats

Team Bath Netball starting combination: GS Betsy Creak, GA Sophie Kelly, WA Ali Wilshier, C Bethan Dyke, WD Phoebe Maslen, GD Lily-May Catling, GK Jayda Pechova. Impact players: Summer Artman, Caroline Mtukule, Kirsty Harris, Kadeen Corbin, Hannah Passmore.

Manchester Thunder starting combination: GS Lenize Potgieter, GA Lois Pearson, WA Iona Christian, C Amy Carter, WD Taylor McKevitt, GD Ella Bowen, GK Josie Huckle. Impact players: Emma Dovey, Harriet Jones, Natalie Metcalf, Ruby Parker, Shadine Van Der Merwe.

Quarter-time scores (Team Bath first): Q1 17-18; Q2 38-33 (21-15); Q3 50-51 (12-18); Q4 63-67 (13-16).

Most Valuable Player: Phoebe Maslen.

With thanks to the Team Bath Press Office

ParaNetball is an adaptation on the traditional game of netball. At the sessions, focus is on the ability within disability, ensuring that they are inclusive to everyone taking part, no matter their disability. The hope is that all the participants that come to take part have fun, use some energy up and are in an environment with people similar to themselves, but also people who are not so similar to themselves.

At the Manchester Thunder ParaNetball launch event, over twenty disabled people from across the North West travelled to Wright Robinson College to take part in the session. The day was a huge success, and was full of lots of running, games and many happy smiles and laughter on the faces of all the participants, parents and guardians. At the end of the session, participants were treated to an appearance from Manchester Thunder mascot, Thunder Bear, who came to say hello to everyone.

In England, there are over 1.5 million deaf and disabled women and girls under the age of 50. In a 2017/18 report produced by Active Lives for Sport England, it was reported that 42% of disabled people are likely to be physically inactive, compared to are twice as many of 21% of non-disabled people. This is why active programmes such as ParaNetball are so important within the SEND community.

When asked why Vimto decided to invest in ParaNetball, Christine Shillington, People & Sustainability Director for Nichols plc, said: “Like Vimto, Manchester Thunder is a really great brand, and it is synonymous with elite sport. There is such a strong alignment between Thunder’s vision – increasing participation, accessibility, and inclusivity in netball, with what we’re trying to achieve, which is about creating access to opportunities for young people in the North West who need it the most. This matches our vision and values, and the opportunity was too good for us to pass up. We really believe in what Manchester Thunder are doing, and we feel very aligned about this and how it may grow across the North West.”

Gary Young, Commercial Director of Manchester Thunder, said: “The partnership with Nichols plc provides us with the capability to run free ParaNetball sessions and participate in the annual ParaNetball tournament run by England Netball. It’s really given us the means to make a difference by enabling us to secure the facilities, equipment and qualified coaches to fully support young people with disabilities.”

The Manchester Thunder ParaNetball sessions will run on the first Saturday of every month from 10am-11am at Wright Robinson College in Manchester, and they are free for all participants. If you would like to come along, please visit www.manchesterthunder.co.uk/paranetball/ to sign up.

With thanks to Manchester Thunder

Focused on raising the profile of the sport and creating a welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment that promotes engagement and participation; the partnership aims to make a real difference to the lives of deaf and disabled young people through the power of netball.

Led by a newly appointed Head of ParaNetball, the initial phase of the programme will be delivered in collaboration with Dominoes Netball Club; who actually established the North West’s first ever ParaNetball club in 2021. Building on the foundations they have established, we anticipate that this collaboration will form a model for growth throughout the North West region.

The agreement between Thunder and Nichols will make the Vimto brand synonymous with ParaNetball throughout Greater Manchester and will see the two organisations working hand in hand to drive growth of the sport.

Tracey Neville, Performance Operations Director of Manchester Thunder, said: “I’m so excited to have signed this strategic agreement with Nichols. From the moment they engaged with us they completely understood what we are striving to achieve through our community strategic objective of ‘changing people’s lives through netball’ and their support will enable us to do just that.

“I’ve thought for a long time that we need to take bold steps to increase the profile of ParaNetball and I’m really proud that Manchester Thunder has decided to take a lead role in making this happen.

Andrew Milne, CEO of Nichols plc, added: “Nichols’s long and rich heritage began in Manchester 114 years ago with the creation of Vimto by John Joel Nichols. Our roots have remained strong in Manchester and across the North West ever since, not least because of the strong community values established within the business by its founder that have remained at the heart of who we are.

“Making a difference in our local communities is a core part of our ESG Strategy to create a Happier Future. The primary consumers of our products are young people, and we want to support them with more than just refreshment. We are committed to improving the lives of those young people who need it most—by raising aspirations for their futures and providing opportunities to develop their skills and careers.

“The partnership with Manchester Thunder is a fantastic opportunity to do this and we are proud to be part of creating the first VSNL Paranetball Club, creating new opportunities for young deaf and disabled people across the North West behind the strong brand of Manchester Thunder.

With thanks to Manchester Thunder

England Roses captain, Natalie Metcalf has put pen to paper to re-sign for Manchester Thunder after starring in an incredible championship winning season on her return to the black and yellows.

Metcalf is the final player to be announced as part of Thunder’s 2023 squad and completes a squad with an exciting mix of youth and experience. As a key feeder, all eyes will be on Metcalf and top class South African shooter Lenize Potgieter to see how their relationship on court evolves, and with experienced defenders Shadine van der Merwe and Kerry Almond shoring it up at the back, Manchester Thunder will be a force to be reckoned with despite losing several high-profile players.

Combining the return of Amy Carter from injury and the signing of Taylor McKevitt, one of the best young wing defenders in the business, the spine of the Thunder team looks stirringly strong for 2023.

Metcalf started her netball career with the Yorkshire Jets, before playing a season for Manchester Thunder and two seasons for Wasps Netball, where she won two consecutive VNSL league titles. Midway through the Australian 2018 season, she was invited to come in to the Australian Super Netball league team, New South Wales Swifts, as a permanent replacement player for the injured Claire O’Brien. During her time at Swifts, Metcalf played 37 games for the club, and won two Premiership champion titles. In 2021, she decided to return home to the UK and join her former side Manchester Thunder in the Vitality Netball Superleague.

Last year was an exceptional season for Manchester Thunder, which ended with Manchester Thunder being undefeated for all 22 games and lifting the 2022 VNSL trophy. Thunder’s shooters also smashed records by scoring 88 goals against Wasps Netball, an average of a goal every 40 seconds. Metcalf, who can play in wing attack and goal attack positions, played in 21 games, and was an influential player within the first team squad, making 386 feeds and scoring 59 goals.

Metcalf is also a key member of the England Roses international setup, a gold medal winner in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Metcalf was promoted to captain the England Roses for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Natalie Metcalf said, “I’m really excited to be back with Thunder for the 2023 season. Last year was an awesome season for us, and it was amazing to be back in the UK and playing in the Superleague in front of friends, family and of course the Thunder netball fans. It’s going to be great to welcome some new additions to the Thunder netball family, and also welcome home some of our Thunder pathway netball girls.”

Karen Greig, Head Coach and Director of Netball for Manchester Thunder, said, “To re-secure Nat’s signature was a key part of the puzzle for us this season and I am so happy to have her back! Her experience and leadership qualities will be crucial for us in our centre court and having the flexibility to cross over to goal attack will be exciting. Nat’s vision and ability to slice open the defence is a superpower for her and I’m really looking forward to see how she connects in with our new signing Lenize Potgieter.”

With thanks to Manchester Thunder