VNSL preseason practice matches set the tone for 2021
THE Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) has been gearing up to its 2021 season over the past few weeks, with practice matches played across the United Kingdom as the 11 franchises ready themselves for what will be an intriguing season. While a set starting date for the season has not yet been announced, it is safe to say that teams and fans alike are chomping at the bit to get the competition up and running after an interrupted 2020 season. With three preseason “friendlies” broadcast over the weekend and some intriguing combinations and fresh faces tested out on court, Draft Central delves into key aspects of each of the three matches and how the teams could shape up in season 2021.
SEVERN STARS vs. TEAM BATH
Stars: 9 | 11 | 16 | 11 | 12 (59)
Bath: 16 | 9 | 13 | 7 | 8 (53)
- An exciting Stars outfit defeated Team Bath by just six goals in a five term, come-from-behind victory
- While Stars played with a close to full-strength squad, Bath brought a developing group of athletes
- Bath took early lead and stayed ahead for much of the contest, before Stars impressed in fourth and fifth terms to come away with the win
- A closely fought and highly competitive battle, with Bath unable to consolidate on its first half lead
- While Bath were beaten on this occasion, it is worth noting they played without majority of their marquee players
Severn Stars reveal their line-up as the VNSL signing window closes // Exciting and experienced: Team Bath ready to tackle the challenging season ahead
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MANCHESTER THUNDER vs. CELTIC DRAGONS
Thunder: 15 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 16 (65)
Dragons: 9 | 4 | 8 | 15 | 10 (46)
- Thunder proved they are out hunting in 2021, coming away with a 19-goal win in five terms
- Both teams blooded new recruits, with Australian Annika Lee-Jones starting for Dragons and playing at both ends, while Thunder’s stars stood up across the court
- Thunder’s continuous defensive pressure awarded the front-end, with a steady stream of turnovers supplying the scoreboard
- Manchester’s ball movement and flow a lot quicker and less predictable, more level-headed
- Defensively, Thunder’s full court pressure and hands over were the real gamechangers, squeezing Dragons into very little space
“We are a family” – Thunder culture is the key to retaining 2019 title
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SURREY STORM vs. WASPS NETBALL
Storm: 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 (41)
Wasps: 11 | 10 | 15 | 7 | 6 | 10 (59)
- The only practice match of the weekend with six terms, Wasps prove too strong to come away with an 18-goal victory
- While Storm’s long ball down the court seemed to work in patches, Wasps played a short, sharp game and were less wasteful with the ball
- Storm defender Leah Middleton wreaked havoc but ultimately could not contend with the constant barrage into the likes of Rachel Dunn from Sophia Candappa
- Tight one-on-one from Wasps versus zone defence of Storm
- Both sides used latter stages of match to blood up younger players with most experienced names on the bench
“It’s about survival” – Surrey aim to weather the storm of 2020 // Wasps look to continue their VNSL dominance in 2021
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More VNSL features:
Rhinos coach leading the charge for progress in the VNSL
London Pulse have their eyes on the prize for 2021
Loughborough Lightning secure Cobden for 2021
Mavericks strive to prosper next season after a tumultuous 2020
Sirens engaging both on and off the court ahead of VNSL 2021
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