Their Rose Rivals came within minutes of securing a shock win, but a late surge from the Black and Yellows was enough to sneak the points.
Team Northumbria will be no easy feat, with the North East outfit putting out some strong performances so far this season, most notably in their one-goal victory over top-four chasing Loughborough Lightning.
But Thunder will be heartened by their win over their round eight opponents on the opening day of the Vitality Netball Superleague on Super Saturday. Regardless, Thunder coach Dan Ryan is wary of Northumbria’s threat, and is focused on making sure his charges are ready for the challenge. He said: “We need to start fine-tuning our focus and Team Northumbria have had a couple of really good wins. They knocked off Lightning so they are going to be confident in themselves to beat us, especially in the knowledge that we have been a bit up and down with our form. We will need to be right on our game to win.”
Team Northumbria v Manchester Thunder, 6.30pm, Saturday 12 March, Uni of Northumbria, Newcastle.
Match Preview Report by Denise Evans