DESPITE some last-minute changes to the schedule and a slight delay due to technical issues, the Rise Again Festival was a shining light for UK netball after such a difficult year for the sport. The evening before the matches were due to take place, it was announced that a member of the Saracens Mavericks squad had tested positive for COVID-19 and that the whole team would need to isolate. This also had an impact on Surrey Storm, as the two sides had played a friendly match in the week leading up to the festival, so they were also unable to compete. Fortunately, two of the matches were still able to be played, with Leeds Rhinos taking on Loughborough Lightning as scheduled, and Strathclyde Sirens facing the reigning champions Manchester Thunder. 

The first game gave fans a highly anticipated initial look at Dan Ryan’s inaugural Rhinos squad. Despite being without Diamonds superstar Madi Browne for this run out, the side came out strongly against a well-drilled and talented Lightning team. Both teams boasted tall, holding shooters and found easy access to post and Rhinos got out to an early lead credit to the work of powerhouse Roses defender Vicki Oyesola. As the game progressed, a lack of familiarity between the Rhinos midcourt and shooters was exposed and Lightning, led by the efforts of Beth Cobden, worked their way back to equalise in the second quarter. Alice Harvey, an England U21s star, was doing a wealth of work in goal keeper, up against extremely tough opposition in Aussie import Donnel Wallam. 

At half-time Loughborough was ahead 33-29 and both coaches used the opportunity to work through a host of combination changes. Rhea Dixon stood out in goal attack for Rhinos by creating plenty of space and also hustling defensively for turnover ball. Experienced Hannah Joseph made her mark in the wing attack position for Lightning, and provided a steady influence in the attacking end. The game started to slip away from Rhinos in the latter stages, due to a series of ball handling errors and miscommunications. However this is to be expected of the brand new side and they have proven they have the potential to play a very exciting brand of netball in 2021. For Lightning, they showed their authority and cohesion, along with their ability to score easily through Mary Cholhok, taking the win 73-58.

The second match saw Sirens put up a gutsy fight against Thunder and despite a slow start the Scottish side were performing well during the first half. Laura Malcolm started for Thunder in wing attack, and was finding smooth mover Ellie Cardwell and Malawi Queen Joyce Mvula with ease under the post. It was the first pre-season game for Sirens and this showed with a few errors popping up across the court, but new recruit Beth Dix made an impact in the centre position and Sirens closed the gap to just one goal at quarter time. Wholesale changes for both sides in the second quarter saw Berri Neal debut in goal attack for Thunder and Scottish Thistle Niamh McCall make an impact with her strong drives and playmaking ability. Sirens were hot on Thunder’s tail, showing some smooth transition play and creativity in attack, trailing 31 goals to 34 at half-time. 

Another midcourt switch up for Thunder saw Malcolm move into centre, proving she can be lethal across all three positions at the elite level, and Emma Dovey used her experience and netball smarts to expose a few errors in the Sirens attack end. Thunder eased into a ten goal advantage credit to their tenacious and clinical style. Despite a strong effort, Sirens were not able to keep in touch with the champions during the final quarter, credit to several missed opportunities to convert turnovers, and Thunder’s speed and transition play. The final score blew out to 80 – 56 to Thunder, but this result does not reflect the strong performance from Sirens who certainly have a lot more to show this season.

Overall this glimpse of four Superleague sides was very exciting and bodes well for the upcoming season. Despite the long break, it is clear the players and coaches have worked extremely hard to be prepared and to be able to put out such promising performances. All four teams will have areas of focus, including sustaining match fitness for the full 60 and limiting errors, but the level of intensity and skill on display indicates an exciting sign of things to come.

Picture: Hope Photography