Action shot during Vitality Super League match between Wasps Netball and Manchester Thunder at Copper Box Arena, London, England on 17th May 2021.
The 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague season continued over the weekend with six matches across two days at the Copper Box Arena.
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…
Leeds Rhinos accelerated their push for a top-four finish with an impressive 63-36 win over Severn Stars in Sunday’s opening fixture.
Vitality Rose Vicki Oyesola was awarded iPro Player of the Match for her dominant defensive work as Dan Ryan’s side remained on top throughout the contest.
League leaders Team Bath Netball booked their place in the sem-finals after a 55-39 victory against Surrey Storm.
Storm competed manfully as Bath struggled for fluency at times, but their control of the midcourt proved crucial with Rengen Player of the Match and Vitality Rose Imogen Allison excelling.
Who doesn't love an attacking intercept?! 🤷♀️
Two young goal attacks @sophiekellly and @Sophie__DL aren't forgetting their defensive responsibilities 👏
Watch @TeamBathNetball play @SurreyStorm on @SkySports YouTube 📺 pic.twitter.com/8j019QidMf
— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) May 16, 2021
Mizuno Player of the Match Gia Abernethy starred as Strathclyde Sirens prevailed 44-39 in an epic battle with Wasps to strengthen their top-four prospects.
Remarkably, Wasps won three quarters but it was the decisive third period that tipped the result in Sirens’ favour as they took it 15-6.
Manchester Thunder tightened their grip on third place with a 60-42 success against Saracens Mavericks, with Roses Future and Netball UK Player of the Match Amy Carter impressing.
Mavericks were forced into a reshuffle at the back with Jo Trip missing and Thunder capitalised on that swiftly to establish an eight-goal lead in the first quarter and they never looked back.
Sunday’s action began with Manchester Thunder’s 53-47 victory over Wasps as Mizuno Player of the Match Joyce Mvula powered her side to another win.
Wasps levelled the score by halftime but a few mistakes allowed Thunder to nudge ahead by the end of the third quarter and they consolidated that lead in the fourth.
The round concluded with Loughborough Lightning’s 42-35 triumph over London Pulse that saw Sara Francis-Bayman’s team secure their place in the semi-finals.
Atlantic House Investments Player of the Match Sam May posted four intercepts as she helped stifle Pulse’s attack and clinch the three points.
Sky Sports pundit Pamela Cookey said: “I saw some great experience being shown against Liv (Olivia) Tchine; she got four intercepts, five turnovers and two deflections for Sam May and that was all the way through the game, she stood out and got those turnovers.”
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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