IT is already the one third mark of the 2024 Netball Super League season, and as always there are some particularly intriguing matches on the menu this weekend.

GAME OF THE ROUND

Manchester Thunder vs Loughborough Lightning

Another top two clash, and a replay of one of last year’s semi finals, it is sure to be an absolute cracker of a match tomorrow night.

The Thunder are undefeated so far this season while the Lightning have only suffered the one loss, but interestingly the gap in shooting numbers between the sides is quite big. The Thunder have only shot five more goals than the Lightning, but conceded 23 goals less than them.

This means that the Thunder defensive end/Lightning attacking end is going to be the crucial third of the field.

Ella Bowen, Shadine Van der Merwe and Josie Huckle have been performed strongly this season, and as a group conceded the lowest number of goals of any team this season. On the other side of the equation, Mary Cholhok is an absolute star of the competition and is leading the goal shooting so far this season, but she cannot do it all on her own, and if she is too well tagged and whoever is in goal attack for the Lightning does not shoot the required numbers, than the Lightning are in trouble.

THE OTHER MATCHES

Leeds Rhinos vs London Pulse

If the Rhinos had a choice of who they wanted to play after a frustrating performance last weekend, they probably would not have picked the Pulse.

The Pulse are a good side as is, but will be hungry after a loss to the Stars last week so expect them to come out fighting hard.

Strathclyde Sirens vs Saracens Mavericks

The Sirens are still desperately searching for their first win of the season, and face a Mavericks side who are also searching for some consistency in their season.

The Sirens need to boost their shooting figures, but with a defence like the Mavericks to face, they are going to have to be creative if they want to do that this week.

Cardiff Dragons vs Severn Stars

The Stars travel to Wales this week with a confident spring in their step, and face a Cardiff side also off the back of a win, so it should be an entertaining clash.

This is the perfect clash for the Dragons to really show they mean business this season, but it will not be easy against a side who are a step above where they were last year.

Surrey Storm vs Team Bath

After a bad loss last week, the Storm find themselves in a perfect situation to bounce back quickly.

They face a Bath side who have dropped off after a really positive start to the year, and are desperate to get back on the winners list and get some consistency in their season.