We have reached round four of the 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague season with six matches played 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…
Champions Manchester Thunder kicked off the round on Sunday with a 60-27 success over Severn Stars.
Vitality Rose Eleanor Cardwell and Malawi Queens’ goaler Joyce Mvula combined to excellent effect in the shooting circle with the latter claiming the iPRO Hydrate Player of the Match award.
The winning run continues for Strathclyde Sirens as they narrowly defeated London Pulse 35-30 to secure three consecutive victories for the first time in their history.
It was a thrilling encounter that could have swung either way but Princes Square Player of the Match Nicola McCleery ultimately helped steer Sirens to the three points.
C̶o̶m̶p̶u̶t̶e̶r̶ Cullen says no ❌
It's yet another intercept from @SirensNetball's @16_taylorr 🚨
How good has the wing defence been this season?! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/GRk481eHyo
— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) February 28, 2021
Two-time Grand Final winners Wasps Netball ensured they didn’t lose for a third straight game as they saw off the threat of Surrey Storm to claim a 47-33 triumph.
England centurion Rachel Dunn came off injured but she was ably replaced by Jamaican international Gezelle Allison, while Mizuno Player of the Match Iona Christian starred in the midcourt.
Rounding off Sunday’s action were Leeds Rhinos and Loughborough Lightning and it was Sara Bayman’s side who delivered another impressive display to take it 70-41 in the league’s highest-scoring fixture this year.
Ugandan shooting sensation Mary Cholhok continues to be a nuisance for defenders and Lightning’s rapid transition through court was aided by the work of Vitality Rose and Age Partnership Player of the Match Beth Cobden at wing-defence.
What a pass from… *cleans glasses* @BethCobs1?! 👓
The Commonwealth Games winner was channelling her inner-attacker with that feed 👏
So good having her back in the #VNSL 🙌 pic.twitter.com/YiZ4hDO6S7
— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) February 28, 2021
A much-changed Saracens Mavericks side beat Celtic Dragons 61-41 in the opening match on Monday evening.
Commonwealth Games gold medalist Jodie Gibson made a triumphant return to court after a long spell out with injury, with South African shooter Ine-Mari Venter also making her eagerly-anticipated debut and she was fed by Cardiff Met Player of the Match Georgia Lees.
Return of the K̶i̶n̶g̶ Queen 👑
After two seasons out through injury, @Jodiegibsonx is back on a #VNSL court 💪
She makes her debut for @SaracensMavs this evening ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Iv5GfQCtiJ
— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) March 1, 2021
Round four concluded with a meeting between the two clubs that featured twice this weekend as Loughborough Lightning overcame Severn Stars 58-30.
Stars competed manfully in the first half despite being without captain and star player Liana Leota due to injury but Lightning had too much quality as Ella Clark earned the Computacenter Player of the Match award on her first start of the season.
Leeds Rhinos head coach and Sky Sports pundit Dan Ryan said of Lightning: “I think with the depth of talent they have it actually takes away pressure from players to always have to be on their game because if they’re really team-orientated players, they’ll know that if I’m not quite at my best today I’ve got my mate on the bench who can finish the job for me.”
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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