ROUND 1 and 2 of the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) saw a number of players impress and showcase that the they are raring to go after their year long hiatus from netball. With newcomers aplenty and some familiar faces once again taking the court Draft Central takes a look at some of the top performers and which players have already dominated certain statistical areas.

Goals:

Loughborough Lightning goal shooter and Ugandan shooting sensation Mary Cholhok tops the table for goals recording an impressive 74 across the two games. Earning herself player of the match honours against Wasps Netball thanks to her 39 goal effort, Cholhok displayed her aerial ability and accuracy to post to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Hot on her heels is Australian and newcomer to the league Donnell Wallam, who has taken no time to make a name for herself notching up 64 games in her two outings for Leeds Rhinos. The ever-reliable and highly experienced figure in Rachel Dunn has not skipped a beat since her return posting 59 goals despite being down on her usual volume against the Lightning only managing 24 goals. Team Bath’s goal shooter Kim Borger continued where she left off from last season nailing 46 goals while Celtic Dragons shooter Amy Clinton has also proved herself as a force to be reckoned with under the post nailing 46 goals.

Shooting accuracy:

Saracens Mavericks goaler Britney Pringle-Clarke leads the way for accuracy shooting at an impressive 97 per cent after only missing one goal (33 from 34). The overall dominance of Wallam and Cholhok is also impressive with the duo able to post an incredibly high total and most importantly do so at a high conversion rate. Wallam has only missed two of her 66 attempts sitting at 97 per cent while Cholhok boasts a 94 per cent shooting accuracy. Youngster Sophie Drakeford-Lewis has proven to be deadly under the post nailing 41 of her 44 attempts at 93 per cent, while Joyce Mvula is a consistent figure for Manchester Thunder delivering at 92 per cent.

Intercepts:

Wasps goal defence, Fran Williams leads the competition after two rounds in intercepts collecting eight in her two outings highlighting her overall tenacity, read of the play and fancy footwork to slot into the right spot at the right time. Goal keeper, Razia Quashie is second amassing six intercepts for the Saracens Mavericks while Vicki Oyesola has proven to be a key defensive cog for new franchise Leeds Rhinos picking up five intercepts. Williams is not the only Wasps player that has made a splash down back with Amy Flanagan reeling in the errant passes collecting five intercepts to pose a strong defensive threat. Playing through the midcourt the defensive minded Imogen Allison has wasted no time inflicting her ball winning ways on the competition securing five intercepts in her two outings for Team Bath.

Deflections:

Featuring in the top five for intercepts, Quashie leads the competition for deflections with the talented defender recording eight deflections. She is renowned for her ability to swat the ball away out of mid-air and repel the ball back down court. Partner in crime Jo Trip has also impressed picking up seven deflections highlighting the damaging combination the two pose down in defence for the Mavs. Josie Huckle has proven to be a menace down back with her quick footwork and overall court coverage managing six deflections for Wasps while Oyesola’s defensive tendencies came further into play recording six deflections across her two games. Severn Stars defender Lucy Herdman is the final player to round out the top five with the 24-year-old displaying her netball smarts to cover the court and read the play to get hands to ball.