IT got a little close for comfort, but the Leeds Rhinos were able to hold off a fast-finishing Celtic Dragons outfit and record their second Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) win of the season yesterday. Hitting the road, the Rhinos were coming off a disappointing loss to Team Bath, whilst the Dragons had played all the 2021 finalists in the first four rounds without yet tasting success. Though he Rhinos raced out to a predictably strong lead, the Dragons pegged them back, but fell short with the visitors winning by five goals, 57-52.

Meanwhile in the other VNSL clash over the weekend, Saracens Mavericks remained undefeated with a 10-goal win over Severn Stars. The Mavericks raced out to to an early lead and then survived a late fightback from the Stars to post a double-digit victory, 62-52.

We take a look at how those two VNSL games went down, and preview the three happening tonight.

In what was an impressive display from both teams, but also a tale of two halves, the Leeds Rhinos came up trumps against the winless Celtic Dragons, to improve their 2022 season record to 2-1. The Rhinos were hot early, piling on 14 goals to eight to take a six-goal lead into quarter time. That continued into the second term, really getting away from the Dragons and opening up a 12-goal advantage heading into the main break (31-19). The danger signs were there for another big Dragons loss, but full credit to the home side who never gave up.

The Dragons managed to slightly stem the bleeding in the third term to only lose the quarter by two, and face a 14-goal deficit heading into the last. Though it was the final term where the Welsh side came alive, piling on 18 goals to nine to race back within reaching distance, but just fell short in he end, 52-57.

Jade Clarke was simply outstanding for the Rhinos through the centre, with Amelia Hall another eye-catcher through midcourt. There were no shortage of terrific battles, as Dragons defensive trio of Nia Jones, Shaquanda Greene-Noel and Annabel Roddy all stepped up the longer the game went on. Sigrid Burger made her debut for the Rhinos alongside Sienna Rushton who moved into goal attack, whilst Amy Clinton showcased her talent against her former Dragons side when replacing Burger late.

Saracens Mavericks were able to remain undefeated in the 2022 VNSL season with a hard-fought 10-goal win over Severn Stars. The Mavericks earned their way to an unassailable lead at the final break, before the Stars produced a big final term to stem the margin back to almost half. It was the Mavericks all the way in the opening three terms, piling on 18 goals to 10 in the first term, then 17 goals to 11 in the second to already break open the match to lead by 14 at the main break.

That lead only increased in the third term with another 17-14 term, which meant the visitors were 52-35 at the University of Worcester Arena. To the Stars credit, they continued to fight in the final term. Though the game was done and dusted, the Stars scored 17 goals to 10, to limit the Mavericks’ attack and reduce the final scores to 52-62, and gain some vital goal difference heading into the rest of the season.

South African international Ine-Mari Venter‘s incredible 2022 season rolled on with an outstanding performance in front of the post, standing tall against an impressive Stars defensive lineup with 49 of 52 goals. Lucy Herdman and Adi Bolakoro did well in the back third for the Stars, as Liana Leota was lively in linking the midcourt to the shooting circle. The defenisve duo of Jodie Gibson and Razia Quashie combined for 10 deflections, five intercepts, four rebounds and 11 turnovers. For the Stars, Paige Reed (27 gaols from 32 attempts) and Katie Harris (16 of 20) was also busy.

Monday, February 21 @ 7:00pm
Copper Box Arena

London Pulse has endured back-to-back nail-biters with a four-goal win over Team Bath in Round 2, before a heartbreaking two-goal loss to Saracens Mavericks in Round 3. That was 10 days ago, giving the Pulse plenty of time to regroup, and they will e looking to bounce back yet again and try and even the ledger at 2-2, having lost to Loughborough Lightning on the opening day of the season. Funmi Fadoju is key to the Pulse’s success having a ripping season in defence, whilst Australian imports Sacha McDonald and Tayla Honey will continue to get better the more games they play in the pink. Olivia Tchine has also started the 2022 season in great form, being a real presence at goal shooter.

The visiting side broke through for its first win back in Round 3, recording a nine-goal victory in front of home fans against Severn Stars. The result came off back-to-back defeats at the hands of Saracens Mavericks (nine goals) and Strathclyde Sirens (six) in the blockbuster double-header weekend. Iona Christian and Lauren Nicholls could be ones to watch for the Wasps, with the likes of Lucy Parize and Ella Powell-Davies stepping up in the 2022 season.

Monday, February 21 @ 7:30pm
Surrey Sports Park

Coming off a spirited upset win over Team ath on Friday night, Surrey Storm will be looking to go back-to-back against an unbeaten Loughborough Lightning outfit. The Storm’s team was consistent across the board against Bath, with Abigail Robson earning Player of he Match against her former side. Also stepping up to pile on plenty of pressure was goal shooter Peace Proscovia, with midcourters Yasmin Parsons and Mikki Austin ale to feed her well.

The Lightning come into the match as favourites given the reigning premiers are yet to lose a match, accounting for London Pulse and Celtic Dragons in the first two rounds. Mary Cholhok is a volume shooter for the purple side, with goal keeper Alice Harvey winning Player of the Match last game and is one to watch, with Roses stars Beth Cobden and recruit Fran Williams among the potential gamechangers for the Lightning.