As the countdown to the new season continues, it’s time to announce the 2018 Vitality Netball Superleague fixtures.
After a stellar 2017 season with more games broadcast on TV and more fixtures played in front of sell-out crowds than ever before, 2018 promises to be another thriller!
In the closest ever Superleague, Loughborough Lightning topped the table in the 2017 regular season before newcomers Wasps Netball pipped them to the title in the Grand Final.
How will Lightning fare after the departure of Karen Atkinson? Are Wasps going to secure back-to-back titles? Will the return of familiar faces boost Celtic Dragons? Can UWS Sirens and Severn Stars, who finished sixth and eighth respectively, push on from their solid debut seasons?
The anticipation is certainly mounting and it’s set to be another hotly-contested campaign!
Tamsin Greenway, who will be out to lift her fourth straight title, and Wasps begin their trophy defence at home to Surrey Storm on 10th February.
Last season’s runners-up Lightning host UWS Sirens – recently renamed after entering into an exciting new formal partnership with the University of the West of Scotland – on Round 1, while there’s a north v south battle as Team Bath travel to Team Northumbria.
Severn Stars play Manchester Thunder and Celtic Dragons welcome benecosMavericks, who have rebranded after extending their partnership with the award-winning natural and organic makeup and skincare brand.
Teams may still be fine tuning their squads but there has already been plenty of off-season movement and announcements to whet the Netball Family’s appetite.
England internationals Kadeen and Sasha Corbin have announced their returns to the Superleague.
Kadeen rejoins Team Bath, who she helped win a record fifth title in 2013, while Sasha is returning home to captain Mavericks, who she previously led between 2013 and 2015.
The pair will go head-to-head with their respective sides at the Copper Box Arena on Round 9.
Surrey Storm will also return to the iconic London venue, where they’ll face Lightning on Round 6.
Gabby Marshall has switched north for south, linking up with Roses teammate Corbin at Mavericks, and will return to face her former club Manchester Thunder at the Thunderdome on Round 7.
There will also be plenty of other young English talents on show with the 2017 VNSL Young Player of the Season Vicki Oyesola looking to build on an impressive debut campaign.
With the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games taking place from the 5th-15th April, the Superleague will take a break after Round 7 concludes on the 18th March.
All eyes will then return to the Superleague when the action resumes with Round 8 on 21st and 22nd April.
Fast forward to Round 15 and Manchester Thunder will be hosting Wasps at the Manchester Arena.
With the home stretch in sight, the teams will be determined to hit the ground running as they battle to reach the semi-finals on the 30th June and then the final on the 7th July when the 2018 Vitality Netball Superleague Champions will be crowned.
You can view all the 2018 fixtures and purchase tickets here.
