Netball Super League | Vitality Netball Superleague: Round 19 Talking Points

Rhinos ended Mavericks' play-off hopes with a 62-58 victory in Hull. Image: @merrick_matthew

Round 19 of the Vitality Netball Superleague continued to provide the drama we’ve seen all season, as play-off places were secured, and big wins sealed across the league.

The six games gave us plenty to ponder, and here’s what we learned from the on court action this weekend.

Team Bath take final play-off spot

It will be Team Bath who will face Manchester Thunder in the play-off semi-final at Belle Vue, after they claimed a 43-41 win over Wasps and Saracens Mavericks were beaten 62-58 by Leeds Rhinos.

Bath have struggled at times this season but have surged back to edge out Mavericks, Rhinos, and Surrey Storm to fourth place.

It was not without a fight, however, as they edged past a resurgent Wasps side with Kim Borger netting 16 goals from goal attack to get Anna Stembridge’s side over the line in her last home game.

Mavericks’ defeat means their final day showdown in Hertfordshire is now a dead rubber, with Bath’s sights now firmly set on the Grand Final.

Thunder survive Pulse scare

Manchester Thunder remain unbeaten, but only just.

The Copper Box played host to a thrilling Monday Night Netball, as London Pulse came agonisingly close to being the first team to beat Thunder this season.

Pulse led by five going into the final quarter, with Funmi Fadoju imperious in defence and Alicia Scholes and Olivia Tchine electric in attack.

But Thunder produced a huge fourth quarter to outscore their opponents by 11 and claim a six-goal victory, keeping their unbeaten record intact going into the final round and the play-offs.

💬 “It’s great to have a good contest like that going into finals”

Shooting sensation @ECardwell11 certainly stood up in @thundernetball‘s time of need 👏

Your @GilbertNetball Player of the Match scored more goals than anyone today 🏅 pic.twitter.com/6XuAJpzdyo

— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) May 23, 2022

Rhinos rallying

Leeds Rhinos showed what a dangerous side they can be with an impressive 62-48 win over Mavericks, to end their opponents’ top four hopes.

Rhinos had looked like contenders themselves for much of the season but fell away midway through the season.

However, the Yorkshire side have rallied in recent weeks to show the kind of form that they will hope to carry into next year.

Sigi Burger shot an enormous 59 goals for Rhinos as they produced a performance that will make other sides sit up and take note.

🏃 The movement from Clarke
🅰️ The assist from Grierson
☄️ The finish from Burger

This @RhinosNetballSL move had @PamelaCookey physically applauding 👏 pic.twitter.com/Qct2QF5s1d

— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) May 21, 2022

Sirens edge Celtic clash

It has been a season of what ifs for both Strathclyde Sirens and Celtic Dragons.

Both sides have produced strong performances throughout the year but have too often found themselves on the losing side despite impressing spectators.

It was the Scottish side that got the win in Round 19 as they bid for a top eight finish, or even higher, as the win took them within three points of Surrey Storm.

For Dragons it was another near miss, but they will take heart from the quality of performances heading into next season.

Lightning looming

A lot of the focus at the top has been on Manchester Thunder’s unbeaten run, and the exciting youth of London Pulse.

It’s easy to forget that Loughborough Lightning have lost just once this season, and are still in contention to retain their Vitality Netball Superleague crown.

Lightning reminded their rivals just how potent they can be with a 20-point win over Severn Stars.

Vic Burgess’ side were in supreme form and were boosted by shooter Mary Cholhok, who netted 29 goals on her return from injury.

Leave it to @LboroLightning ⚡️

The champions made their final regular season home game count against @SevernStars 🔚

Check out the highlights below 👇 pic.twitter.com/F3tO2fzjYV

— Vitality Netball Superleague (@NetballSL) May 23, 2022

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