Vitality Netball Superleague: Round 11 preview
Tuesday 26 March 2019 15:46, UK
Round 11 of the Vitality Netball Superleague is upon us and this round arrives with a new team at the top of the table as Manchester Thunder have pushed their noses in front of Wasps Netball for the first time.
There's no denying that it's going to be hard to beat the drama of Round Ten but, with the quality of netball on display right now, we wouldn't be surprised the next five matches eclipse the last.
From the Team Bath Arena on Saturday to our live fixture on Sky Sports between Celtic Dragons and London Pulse on Monday, there's something for everybody. So, sit back, relax and enjoy a look through Round 11 in detail...
Team Bath vs Strathclyde Sirens - Friday at 7.30pm
Team Bath battled their way to a hard-fought 56-50 victory against Celtic Dragons. The final score showing just how competitive the Superleague is this year, and Bath now know that a victory in their game in hand next week will make the top five tighter than any other stage this season.
Sirens have been without Cat Tuivaiti for the last couple of weeks, but the mystery absence was uncovered when the superstar shooter confirmed on social media that she is pregnant.
The Scottish outfit face another long trip south as they look for a third victory of the season and they won't be underestimated by Team Bath Head Coach Anna Stembridge.
"No opponent is an easy one and we knew that, we knew Dragons would come out tough tonight. But ultimately, we're happy to get the points."
Manchester Thunder vs Wasps Netball - Saturday at 5pm
Hot on the heels of Monday night's game of the season, there is every chance Saturday night could top it at the Thunderdome, as the Thunder and Wasps do battle just a couple of weeks after Thunder inflicted the champions first defeat of the season.
After defeat to Bath, Thunder are now riding a three-game winning streak that couple with Wasps defeat on Monday has taken them to the top of the table on goal difference, a fact not lost on Karen Greig.
A last-gasp goal saw Wasps beaten on Monday night 60-59, leaving Wasps and head coach Mel Mansfield with plenty to think about ahead of their trip north.
"I'm a bit speechless to be honest. It's really tough to lose a game like that. We will all take responsibility for this loss, players and coaches."
Given how close the table has become with the top five separated by six points, every pass and every goal will matter.
Severn Stars vs Loughborough Lightning - Saturday at 6pm
After an epic win over Wasps, Lightning will be looking to extend their winning streak this week. With the ball cautiously fed into Mary Cholhok in the final seconds, the Ugandan shooter scored the final, winning, goal of the game.
Severn Stars returning to winning ways with a 60-51 win over London Pulse, sticking to their structures and turning over crucial balls to secure a much-needed win much to the delight of head coach, Sam Bird.
"I wasn't happy with our first-half performance; we got a lead of 7-2 and threw it away with silly errors. But the way we responded in the second half was fantastic,"
"This should give us lots of confidence. Next up is Loughborough who are a good side performing well, but I believe if we perform well for longer phases of play we can beat anyone in the League."
Lightning remain the competition's most in-form team, their winning run now stretching to five after the win over Wasps and with a consistent selection and a relentless attacking option in Cholhok they look like being tough to stop.
Saracens Mavericks vs Surrey Storm - Saturday at 6pm
Mavericks impressive run of form came to a halt with a home defeat to Thunder last week. Despite being roared on by their home crowd, Kat Ratnapala feels they have a point to prove as they look to bounce back against their traditional rivals.
"I'm disappointed to throw away the lead that we worked hard to obtain in the first and second quarter," she said.
"Saracens Mavericks are made of stronger stuff than this and we are hitting the training court hard this week to deliver a performance to be proud of next weekend vs Storm".
Storm picked up an overdue first home win of the season beating Sirens last time out and they will once again look to South African shooter Sigi Burger to lead the way at the Hertfordshire Sports Village.
Celtic Dragons vs London Pulse - Monday at 7pm - Live on Sky Sports Action and Mix
On Monday evening, the Sky Sports cameras will be in Cardiff as Dragons host newcomers London Pulse as they look to secure a fourth win of the season.
Dragons are consistently improving and have proved to be e a real threat to whoever they come up against this season, while the same can be said of Pulse who have stayed competitive this season but still have just one win to their name.
Despite being outside the shake-up for the top four, both teams will have their targets, sixth place looks more than achievable for Dragons while Pulse have Sirens in their sights as they look to move off the foot of the table.
Watch live Vitality Netball Superleague when Celtic Dragons host London Pulse on Monday, March 25 live on Sky Sports Mix & Action from 6.45pm. Also, Sky Sports will be showing every game of the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup in July.
