Credit: Gareth Everett
The Vitality Roses, Roses Futures and Roses Academy athletes played a key role in the fifth round of the Vitality Netball Superleague, here’s how they performed…
Strathclyde Sirens 48-61 Loughborough Lightning
Loughborough Lightning came out on top in Friday’s fixture against Strathclyde Sirens, they began with five Vitality Roses: Ella Clark, Hannah Joseph, Natalie Panagarry and Francesca Williams contributing to the win.
Clark’s link-up play with attacking partner Mary Cholhok aided their team’s early lead, going ahead by six goals within five minutes of play.
Sirens responded well with some key interceptions and began to move the ball quickly up the court but Williams’ defensive presence in front of goal didn’t make things easy for Sirens as she totaled five defensive rebounds for her side.
It was Nat Panagarry who had a stand-out performance after working tirelessly for her team to ensure victory and she was awarded Player of the Match.
London Pulse 50-37 Celtic Dragons
There was only one goal to split these sides at the end of the first quarter after an exciting end-to-end performance.
Pulse’s Funmi Fadoju turned over possession three times within the first three minutes of action and this set the pace for the rest of the match where she earned twelve deflections and seven turnovers.
Olivia Tchine had a great performance and showed composure in front of goal, netting 28 for her side.
Dragons displayed determination and didn’t release the pressure throughout the match but they couldn’t quite match the London side’s dominance on the court.
The match ended 50-37 to London Pulse with Roses Future Zara Everitt being awarded Player of the Match.
Saracens Mavericks 56-59 Manchester Thunder
At the end of this thrilling contest, it was Manchester Thunder who were able to narrowly secure the win away to Saracens Mavericks.
Mavericks began the match fielding two Vitality Roses: Gabby Marshall and Razia Quashie.
Thunder started with three Vitality Roses on the court: Eleanor Cardwell, Natalie Metcalf and Laura Malcolm.
The fast and fluid off-the-ball movement by Metcalf helped to create space in a strong Mavericks defence which was found by Cardwell who capitalised on this as she totaled 38 goals for Thunder.
Mavericks’ Marshall showed dedication and continued to urge her team on to the very end but closing the narrow gap was just out of reach for her team.
Severn Stars 45-48 Team Bath Netball
It was another closely-contested match on Saturday as Team Bath Netball travelled to face Severn Stars in front of a sell-out crowd.
Severn Stars started their match with Vitality Roses Technical Coach Liana Leota in the wing attack position. She displayed her deep knowledge of the game and amassed 18 feeds for her side.
Roses Academy athlete Isabelle Eaton came on early in the first quarter in place of Stars’ new signing Cathrine Tuivaiti and she quickly impacted on the match, helping to level her side after trailing by three. Team Bath responded and were able to edge the scoreline back in their favour, ending the first quarter up 10-14.
Team Bath’s Sophie Drakeford-Lewis had a great all-round performance with three deflections, 13 feeds and 15 goals.
Surrey Storm 58-49 Leeds Rhinos
Surrey Storm took the win at home against Leeds Rhinos in another end-to-end performance.
Rhinos began the match with three Vitality Roses on the court: Rhea Dixon, Jade Clarke and Vicki Oyesola.
Dixon worked tirelessly to create chances for her attacking partner Sigrid Burger as she tallied 13 feeds.
Clarke asserted herself effectively in the centre and did well to disrupt Storm’s rhythm but the Surrey side were the better team on the night and secured themselves a nine-goal lead to take the win.
Manchester Thunder 71-51 Wasps
Manchester Thunder continued their unbeaten run in a Monday Night Netball fixture which saw them beat Wasps by 20 goals.
Thunder began their match at home starting three Vitality Roses: Eleanor Cardwell, Natalie Metcalf, and Laura Malcolm.
Cardwell continued her excellent display of form in front of goal and netted 47 goals for her side which were aided by Metcalf who produced a total of 20 feeds in the match.
Malcolm played her role in keeping Wasps at bay and found her rhythm early in the match. As well as holding back the pressure from Wasps, she also notched six feeds, displaying a great all-round performance which helped to support her team to a 71-51 victory.
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