The Vitality Netball Superleague 2021 season continued over the weekend as round three saw 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…
Round three began with an entertaining contest between Leeds Rhinos and Surrey Storm as the Yorkshire side clinched the points courtesy of a 50-44 win.
Trailing at halftime, Dan Ryan’s team rallied to secure the victory following a difficult week where they lost three key players to injury including star shooter Donnell Wallam, but Surrey Sports Park Player of the Match Sienna Rushton replaced her magnificently.
Do we need to start doing Player of the Half? 😅
It's been another huge defensive performance from @VickiOyesola in the first 24 minutes 💪
Watch her @RhinosNetballSL side take on @SurreyStorm live on @SkySports 📺 pic.twitter.com/hRBmH9i8OJ
— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) February 21, 2021
It was Wales against Scotland in the second game on Sunday and the latter came out on top as Strathclyde Sirens beat Celtic Dragons 52-35.
Sirens reshuffled their attack after an early injury to Lynsey Gallagher and put on an impressive display, with Cardiff Metropolitan University Player of the Match Bethan Goodwin playing an integral role.
Defending champions Manchester Thunder remain a formidable force as they produced a commanding performance to secure a 57-30 victory over London Pulse.
Karen Greig’s team came flying out of the blocks establishing a 20-goal lead by halftime and they built on that in the second half with Netball UK Player of the Match Emma Dovey marshalling the defensive end.
Sunday’s action concluded with a dominant Loughborough Lightning display as they ran out 60-35 winners against previously unbeaten Saracens Mavericks.
Sara Bayman’s side were in control from the outset, with Computacenter Player of the Match and Vitality Rose Nat Panagarry driving the team on in the midcourt.
Swish 🗑️
Silverware in basketball last week, a clutch performance for @LboroLightning this weekend 🏀🏐@EllaClark_ has sunk long bomb after long bomb in her first #VNSL2021 appearance 💣 pic.twitter.com/x5BFlddHPy
— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) February 21, 2021
On Monday night, Celtic Dragons and Surrey Storm treated the viewers on Sky Sports Main Event to an excellent contest as it finished 42-34 to the latter club.
Cardiff Metropolitan University Player of the Match Karyn Bailey was unstoppable in the circle alongside Frankie Wells as Storm secured their second win of the campaign.
The weekend finished with the big clash between Wasps Netball and Team Bath and it was the Blue and Gold who prevailed 44-39 despite a spirited fightback by Mel Mansfield’s side in the final quarter.
Mizuno Player of the Match and Vitality Rose Sophie Drakeford-Lewis caused havoc with her movement in the attacking end, while England centurion Eboni Usoro-Brown contributed to a dominant defensive effort.
📞 "Hi, this is Serena speaking! How can I assist you today?"
It's assist after assist for @serenabob in the league this season 🅰️
Her connection with @kimborger11 is working wonders for @TeamBathNetball 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ejxsgoQOsR
— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) February 22, 2021
Team Bath face champions Manchester Thunder next and Sky Sports pundit Tamsin Greenway said: “I think it was vital for Bath to get that starting 7 out there tonight – which is why (Layla) Guscoth played back into that game, Eboni Usoro-Brown staying on the court – because there are going to be so many battles on the court; it’s going to be a very good game put it that way.”
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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