Action shot during the Vitality Super League match between Saracens Mavericks and Team Bath at Studio 001, Wakefield, England on 4th April 2021.
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 claimed an impressive 59-50 win in their heavyweight clash with Loughborough Lightning in Sunday’s first match.
Lightning hadn’t lost since the opening weekend but Thunder’s performance allowed them to take the three points, with Netball UK Player of the Match Caroline O’Hanlon playing a starring role.
The clubs now occupying the bottom two then faced off as Severn Stars picked up their second win of the season as they beat Celtic Dragons 47-35.
The gap was just six goals heading into the final quarter as Stars closed the game out in commanding fashion aided by the work of iPro Player of the Match Paige Reed.
Wasps fended off the threat from London Pulse to secure a 49-37 win, with Atlantic House Investments Player of the Match Amy Flanagan excelling in the midcourt.
The two-time champions remained mostly in control despite the tenacious play of Pulse’s defensive end, which helped the London side steal the last quarter.
Sunday’s final match produced the story of the weekend where Team Bath Netball’s eight-game winning streak was halted by Saracens Mavericks in a 39-38 reverse.
Vitality Rose and Lucozade Sport Player of the Match Kadeen Corbin was formidable in attack as Mavericks surged to a significant victory after containing a late fightback from the Blue and Gold.
London Pulse clinched a 41-36 win over Severn Stars to launch Monday night’s Vitality Netball Superleague action.
Stars eroded at the deficit in the final quarter but the damage had already been done with Vitality Rose Halimat Adio collecting iPro Player of the Match award.
After both teams earned massive victories on Sunday, it was Manchester Thunder who prevailed 59-37 against Saracens Mavericks on Monday.
Determined to build on their win over Loughborough Lightning, Thunder were ruthless as they contained Mavericks for most of the contest with Vitality Rose and Lucozade Sport Player of the Match Laura Malcolm playing a key role at wing-defence.
Vitality Roses Head Coach and Sky Sports pundit Jess Thirlby said: “Without Emma Dovey’s seniority and experience on the line then Laura’s (Malcolm) been even more needed there (at wing-defence) and I think Amy’s (Carter) been doing a good job at centre.
“So I think what you’re just seeing is a team that are settling and working out what they need and it’s paid dividends for them and I’m not a critic of that at all and I think it’s a great confidence boost for Laura that she’s also been recognised with Player of the Match a couple of times.”
Watch all of the weekend’s action back on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel!
Head to the Vitality Netball Superleague website for upcoming fixture details.
Follow England Netball on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for the latest news and content.
