Netball Super League | Serena Kersten’s Team of the Week

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 26: Serena Guthrie of Team Bath in action during the Vitality Netball Superleague Semi Final match between Team Bath and Manchester Thunder at Copper Box Arena on June 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)

Former NSL legend and ex-England Rose Serena Kersten is in this week’s hot seat after selecting her Team of the Week following round 17.

After another impressive weekend of netball, seven names from across the league stood out to Kersten.

Teammates and best friends Halimat Adio and Funmi Fadoju from London Pulse come in at the defensive end this week, with Adio securing the goal keeper bib whilst Fadoju secures the goal defence bib for the 11th time this season.

The pair had standout performances on Friday night in their game against 2023 Champions Loughborough Lightning, with eight deflections, three pick-ups and five gains between them.

Scoring at one end, winning it back at the other 💥

👊 The pressure is ON from London Pulse who edge ahead in the early stages of the second half. This is a must watch game, live on @SkySports YouTube now!#NSL2024 l @Pulse_netball pic.twitter.com/vfdSwawkra

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 7, 2024

Wing defence this week goes to Loughborough Lightning’s Beth Cobden. The midcourt magician earned her 150th for the club on Friday night, as well as making waves in the defensive end for her team.

Cobden earned five deflections, two gains and one interception in their tight battle against London Pulse, making Kersten’s ears prick when selecting the team this week.

150 up! 🫡

🔄 On her 150th appearance for Lightning @BethCobs1 is making an immediate impact with an early tip and turnover. #NSL2024 l @lborolightning pic.twitter.com/FFGIjv212F

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 7, 2024

Another pair of teammates come into this week’s selection down the attacking end of the court. Ellie Rattu and Kira Rothwell of Saracens Mavericks come into the squad for the first time this season. Their round 17 campaign against Surrey Storm was a cracker with Mavericks picking up loose ball and converting it to goal, left right and centre.

Rattu made 17 feeds to her shooting counterpart, as well as two interceptions, three pick-ups and three gains. Meanwhile, Rothwell scored at 95%, only missing one goal in the 60-minute match. She also secured three rebounds and 25 feeds during the game.

@netballsl Who would you shout this to? 🤔#fyp #foryoupage #foryou #Meme #MemeCut #viral #NSL2024 #Netball #BBCSport #NetballSuperLeague #superleague #netballtiktok #livenetball #trending #netball #SeeUsNow @SaracensMavericks @Ellie_Aasha ♬ original sound – Nikita

Severn Stars’ Jess Shaw makes her way into Kersten’s team this week. Impressive feeds and powerful passing earned her her spot this week.

Making 20 feeds to her attackers as well as receiving 13 centre passes, the wing attack powerhouse made waves for her Stars side on Friday night.

Finishing off this week’s line-up is Manchester Thunder’s Elmerè van der Berg. Kersten described van der Berg as having the strongest goal shooter performance of the round, with Thunder confirming their title as League Winners with their impressive win against Strathclyde Sirens.

Top of the table 🔝

⛈️ The league leaders strike again as they take victory on the road.@SirensNetball l @thundernetball pic.twitter.com/G554zE7ZS8

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) June 7, 2024

You can read about the rest of the action from round 17 here.

Serena Kersten’s Team of the Week:

GS – Elmerè van der Berg (Manchester Thunder)

GA – Kira Rothwell (Saracens Mavericks)

WA – Jess Shaw (Severn Stars)

C – Ellie Rattu (Saracens Mavericks)

WD – Beth Cobden (Loughborough Lightning)

GD – Funmi Fadoju (London Pulse)

GK – Halimat Adio (London Pulse)

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