Manchester Thunder finished the season on a high with a 56-48 victory over Team Bath in the Superleague third-fourth play-off.
It was a weekend of highs and lows as Thunder were forced to come back from a horrible loss to Wasps in the semi-final on Saturday, which also saw them miss out on a spot in the Grand Final.
But the Black and Yellows showed great character to pick themselves up and put in a confident display over the physically-imposing Bath.
The result was even more incredible given that Thunder suffered an exodus of players in the off-season.
Head coach Karen Greig believes Thunder have far exceeded even her highest expectations, which was to finish fourth.
“We didn’t come out fighting on Saturday, and although there were flashes of real brilliant, I think we lacked that passion we showed today (Sunday), she said. “Overall we were inconsistent in the
semi-final and didn’t carry out the game plan.
“We had belief today (Sunday) and we knew that if we played with confidence, we could get over the line. We looked at lots of video of what we are good and didn’t worry too much about Bath. She continued: “The intensity and passion that the players showed ultimately gave us the win.
“I’m really happy with this result and we’ve finished a place higher than any of us thought or dreamed of at the start of the season.
“We go home with a bronze medal around our necks and it is something we can all be proud of.”