LAST week’s results in the Netball Super League saw those at the top win big, but the battle for finals remains firmly open.

Reigning champs win big

The Loughborough Lightning picked up another big win, this time defeating the Sirens by 17 goals. The Lightning were already five goals up at the first break, but really put their foot down later in the match to blow out the margin.

Rhea Dixon had a solid game out at goal attack for the Lightning as did Nicola Smith at goal defence. Meanwhile for the Sirens, Hannah Leighton also had a strong game.

Stars keep buffer from chasing pack

The Severn Stars reaffirmed their safety barrier inside the top four after narrowly defeating the Saracens Mavericks. It was tight early and the Mavericks actually led at half time, but a 20 goal to 11 third term in the Stars’ favour totally flipped the script and swung the game in the home side’s favour.

Jessica Shaw had a huge game for the Stars, as did Sigrid Burger. For the Mavericks the big performances came from Georgia Lees and Vicki Oyesola.

Thunder thrash Bath

The Manchester Thunder also picked up a big win, downing Team Bath by 32 goals. A 23 goals to nine first quarter in the Thunder’s favour set the tone for the rest of the match, as the Thunder only grew their lead from there.

Leeds end Storm finals hopes

The Leeds Rhinos have kept their potentially faint finals hopes alive while ending Surrey’s finals hopes at the same time after the Rhinos defeated the Storm by eight goals.

The Rhinos dominated earlier in the match and had built up a handy lead heading into the last quarter, so much so that despite a Surrey fightback in the last quarter it was nowhere near enough and the Rhinos were still victorious.

Joyce Mvula had a massive day under the ring for the Rhinos, and Geva Mentor also had a big game despite a particularly big penalty count. Rachel Fee was impressive for the Storm despite a high penalty count, as did Hanisha Muhameed.

Pulse tame Dragons

The last match of the round saw the London Pulse pick up another win, this time downing the Cardiff Dragons by 11 goals. There was a mini final quarter comeback from the Dragons after the Pulse had led all day, but it was not enough as the Pulse proved to be too strong.

Funmi Fadoju and Berri Neil both racked up the gains for the Pulse, as did Jacqui Newton for the Dragons. Khanyisa Chawane also had an industrious day through midcourt.