WITH an exciting and intriguing opening fortnight of the 2024 Netball Super League season all done and ticked off, Round 3 is here and sure to provide some interesting match ups.
- Team
Team Bath
Severn Stars
Friday at 7:30pm GMT
Team Bath Arena
After a frustrating performance last week, the last team that Bath would want to be facing this week is the Stars. The Stars, who are in strong early season form and currently sit second on the ladder, have been impressive early in this season and will be wanting to continue that this weekend.
The battle down the Bath attack end will be one to watch. After a poor output last week, they will be looking to rebound quickly, but the likes of Sophie Kelly and Kadeen Corbin will have a tough task battling with Jo Trip and Ella Powell-Davies.
- Team
Leeds Rhinos
Cardiff Dragons
Saturday at 3pm GMT
Canon Medical Arena
The Rhinos and Dragons have both had a frustrating start to the season, so will be looking at this match as a chance to finally really get their season going.
The Rhinos in particular will need to boost their goals numbers as an average of goals per game in the 40s is very rarely going to get a team a win in this league. Caroline O’Hanlon is always an impressive workhorse in mid court, but needs the rest of her midcourt team mates to lift to her level.
They will face a tough task though, getting past the defensive end of the Dragons. Jacqui Newton, Leah Middleton and Nia Jones are proving to be quite a strong trio, so will not make things easy for the Rhinos this weekend.
- Team
Manchester Thunder
Strathclyde Sirens
Saturday at 5pm GMT
Belle Vue Arena
This is the one clash that on paper is very one sided. The Sirens have not been particularly impressive this season, which is in stark contrast to their opponents this weekend.
The Thunder’s midcourt is particularly strong and top class, so Hannah Leighton and the rest of the Sirens midcourt will have a lot of work trying to contain a midcourt containing the likes of Natalie Metcalf and Amy Carter.
- Team
Surrey Storm
Saracens Mavericks
Saturday at 6pm GMT
Surrey Sports Park
If this clash had happened this time last year it would look very different on paper.
But alas, unlike last year it is the Mavericks who likely go into the match more as favourites after the Storm have had a poor start to the season.
The Storm have to lift their scoring this week if they want any hope of winning, but with a defensive end of Razia Quashie and Vicki Oyesola to contend with, things will not be easy for Sophie Drakeford-Lewis and Frankie Wells.
- Team
London Pulse
Loughborough Lightning
Saturday at 7pm GMT
Copper Box Arena
The weekend’s action ends with the first Grand Final rematch of the season, and this match is sure to be as entertaining and high intensity as the Grand Final was six or so months ago.
Both teams have also had positive starts to the year so will want to maintain that after this weekend.
The battle between the respective goal shooters and goal keepers is sure to be intriguing in this clash. Up one end there is Olivia Tchine against Alice Harvey, and up the other end it is Mary Cholhok against Halimat Adio. All top quality international players in their own right, and all very competitive individuals.
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