Netball Super League | Greig and Leota react to opening Vitality Netball Legends Series defeat

Karen Greig of the Vitality Netball Superleague react to opening loss.

The international Vitality Netball Superleague All Stars succumbed to a 70-54 defeat to the Vitality Roses on Wednesday night.

A side made up of some of the finest players the VNSL has to offer were playing in the opening game of the Vitality Netball Legends Series.

Despite some impressive team play and eye-catching individual performances, England just proved too strong in Loughborough.

It was side in black that opened the scoring, however, the Vitality Roses showed cohesion at both ends of the court and this enabled them to lead 31-25 at half-time.

Substitutions for both sides told the story in the second 30 minutes as Jess Thirlby’s side began to extend their lead. Eventually, the hosts saw out a 75-54 lead.

Their Head Coach, Karen Greig, was impressed with her team’s performance especially because the All Stars only had their first training session together on Monday.

“I was super impressed, obviously the girls had the first training session on Monday together and we’ve only had a couple of run outs and lighter sessions ahead of tonight,” said Greig.

💬 "We can be a force to be reckoned with"

Vitality Netball Superleague All Stars Head Coach @kjgreigy was impressed with her side's performance tonight 👏

The All Stars continue to improve after their first training session on Monday 💪 pic.twitter.com/20y1D2DtJy

— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) January 20, 2021

Greig continued: “Tonight was all about what combinations worked, building those connections and knowing we can be a force to be reckoned with going into the next two games.”

Vitality Roses defender Razia Quashie earned the Player of the Match award but there were plenty of players to catch the eye for both teams during the 60 minutes.

One of which was All Stars captain Liana Leota who dazzled with her creative play from the wing attack position. The Severn Stars player believes her side were not far away from a winning performance.

“I think there is more to come from our team. There were moments of lapses, we just needed a reset,” said the Commonwealth Games winner.

“In attack, I think we were definitely in control and defensively we had huge pressure so we will be looking at where we can turn over that ball and keep applying the pressure.”

The two sides return to court on Friday evening for the second match in the three-match series. Don’t miss all the action on Sky Sports from 5.45pm.

A huge thank you to everyone for making the Vitality Netball Legends Series happen and the continued support from all of our partners during these challenging times.

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