The 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague season continued over the weekend with six matches across two days at Production Park Studio 001.
The teamwork shown between players, coaches, staff and volunteers helped to get the season up and running with fans able to enjoy every pass, goal and intercept live on Sky Sports.
Here’s your recap of all the action…
Manchester Thunder bounced back from consecutive defeats to overcome winless Celtic Dragons 69-33 in the opening game of round seven on Sunday.
Karen Greig’s side were wounded by Team Bath Netball and Wasps in last weekend’s double-header but they displayed the spirit of champions to get back to winning ways, with Netball UK Player of the Match Joyce Mvula looking strong.
The day’s action continued with an engaging contest between Saracens Mavericks and London Pulse as the Hertfordshire-club edged it 39-32.
Mavericks were frustrated by last week’s first draw of the season with Strathclyde Sirens and maintained a steady grip on this game as Vitality Rose and Lucozade Sport Player of the Match Kadeen Corbin powered them over the line.
Who doesn't love an attacking intercept?@Kadeen_Corbin comes up with the goods 🔥
Watch @SaracensMavs take on @Pulse_Netball live on @SkyNetball YouTube 📺 pic.twitter.com/RW3A9wYq7f
— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) March 21, 2021
Team Bath Netball remain the team to beat as they maintained their 100% record with a 50-30 victory over Surrey Storm.
Storm held their own in the opening quarter as Team Bath gradually moved through the gears helped by in-form Vitality Rose and Surrey Sport Park Player of the Match Sophie Drakeford-Lewis.
For the second time in three outings, Strathclyde Sirens were held in a Vitality Netball Superleague match as they shared the points in a remarkable 32-32 draw with Wasps.
It was a close battle throughout with Sirens closing in on a famous win, inspired by Princes Square Player of the Match Emily Nicholl, before Wasps forced a vital turnover in the closing seconds to level the score.
We have a great doubles match on court today…@amyhflanagan and @Iona_Christian_ serve up one intercept and @16_taylorr and Gia Abernathy respond 🎾
A big second half to come on @SkyNetball YouTube 📺 pic.twitter.com/0kcvuSAmKN
— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) March 21, 2021
And the Scottish club were back on court on Monday evening where they tested Team Bath Netball in ultimately a 47-36 loss.
England centurion and Rengen Player of the Match Serena Guthrie was typically influential in the midcourt as Team Bath navigated a tricky encounter to eventually emerge with a result that takes them to the league’s summit.
Round seven concluded with Leeds Rhinos’ 42-38 victory over Severn Stars where Age Partnership Player of the Match Rhea Dixon helped make the difference.
There was little to separate the teams with the last two quarters finishing level and the first ending just one goal in favour of Rhinos as the second period proved to be decisive with a three-goal margin on the scoreboard that allowed Dan Ryan’s side to come out on top.
Sky Sports pundit Pamela Cookey said: “(Severn) Stars will be disappointed, I think in that third quarter they had the opportunity to get a little bit closer to really keep that pressure on. But credit to (Leeds) Rhinos, they did grit their teeth, they really started well to get that initial lead.”
Watch all of the weekend’s action back on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel!
Head to the Vitality Netball Superleague website for upcoming fixture details.
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