2023 NSL | Round 7 preview: Top four tussles aplenty
ANOTHER weekend, another exciting round of Netball Super League action ahead.
After a smaller menu of games last weekend, it is back to the regular schedule of five matches in a weekend this time around.
It is going to be a huge weekend for Manchester Thunder in particular, They have two matches on their plate – against Team Bath and the Severn Stars – while everyone else has one.
The Thunder also have to travel and the matches are on consecutive days, so there is certainly plenty to manage for Natalie Metcalf and her teammates.
However, the rewards on offer are potentially juicy for the team in yellow. Win both their games, and they could go level top, assuming the Celtic Dragons are able to cause an upset against the Surrey Storm. If not, at the bare minimum they are equal-second.
Severn be particularly keen to ensure that does not happen though. The Stars are only one win behind the Thunder, so if they are able to beat the Thunder that win will be very handy in helping them keep in touch with the top four.
One side who will be watching the weekend’s proceedings at the top of the table intently is the London Pulse, who have got the weekend off and have a chance to refresh and regroup after a good start to the season.
Another side which could have a crucial weekend coming up is Loughborough. The Lightning have a chance to bridge the gap to first place and further entrench themselves in the top four with a win over the Leeds Rhinos.
Leeds has had strong starts to matches this season though, the question will be whether the Rhinos can keep that momentum going through four quarters, which they are yet to do this season.
Netball Super League Round 7 Fixture
Manchester Thunder vs Team Bath – Friday at 7pm – Belle Vue Arena
Strathclyde Sirens vs Saracens Mavericks – Friday at 7:30pm – Sports Halls, Emirates
Severn Stars vs Manchester Thunder – Saturday at 7pm – University of Worcester Arena
Loughborough Lightning vs Leeds Rhinos – Sunday at 4pm – David Wallace Sports Hall
Surrey Storm vs Celtic Dragons – Monday at 7:30pm – Surrey Sports Park
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