WINNING the match of the day, Strathclyde Sirens got up over Surrey Storm in a two-goal thriller as one of a trio of contests in the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL). After Manchester Thunder won the Friday night thriller by four goals against Team Bath to open proceedings, it was the Sirens who won in a nail-biter over the Storm. Unfortunately it appeared to be the only close game of the lost, with London Pulse piling more pain on Severn Stars to grab third spot, whilst Loughborough Lightning showed no mercy against a Saracens Mavericks side that suffered its second consecutive loss in a 22-goal defeat to the reigning premiers.

London Pulse have stormed to victory over Severn Stars, and in doing so snatched third spot in an eye-opening victory. The Pulse have performed strongly this season, and moved to 4-2 on the ladder, overtaking both Team Bath and Saracens Mavericks to move into the third position. They won every quarter in a dominant performance over the visitors, racing out to a 28-17 lead at half-time. They never stopped though, as the Pulse put up 36 goal to 18 in the second – including an 18-5 last quarter result – to win by 29 goals, 64-35.

It was a fantastic defensive effort from the Pulse, with both Funmi Fadoju and Lindsay Keable standing up. The pair combined for seven intercepts, eight deflections, 14 turnovers and five rebounds in a truly remarkable defensive effort. Up the other end, Olivia Tchine nailed 35 goals from 40 attempts, whilst Sacha McDonald (16 from 17, and eight feeds) and Berri Neil (10 goals at 100 per cent) both hit double-figures. For the Stars, Paige Reed tried hard with 24 goals from 30 attempts to shoulder the load, with Liana Leota (14 goals assists) and the defensive combination of Adi Bolakoro and Lucy Herdman trying hard all game, combining for seven intercepts, four deflections and eight turnovers.

Severn Stars will need to dust themselves off ahead of a home clash tomorrow against Celtic Dragons, whilst London Pulse will host Surrey Storm next Saturday, March 12.

In easily the match of the day, Strathclyde Sirens produced a much-needed win just when they needed it, surviving a thriller against the dangerous Surrey Storm at Emirates Arena. Getting out to a three-goal lead at quarter time, there was not much between the sides over the next few terms, with the home side unable to break away, and the Storm unable to make too many inroads into the lead. The latter did cut the deficit back to two at the last break, but an 11 goals apiece final term saw the Sirens salute, 59-57 to leapfrog their opponents into seventh on the table.

The shooting combination of Niamh McCall (30 goals from 32 attempts) and Bethan Goodwin (27 from 32) was on-song once again, putting up some really strong numbers thanks to reliable shooting all across the circle. The midcourt of Bethany Dix (28 feeds) and Gia Abernethy (24) were both superb, as Towera Vinkhumbo pulled down four intercepts, four deflections, two rebounds and seven turnovers in the win. That was impressive considering Peace Proscovia (43 goals from 49 attempts and three rebounds) still had her high-volume shooting display, as Francesca Wells (13 goals from 19 attempts, and 15 feeds) contributed well. Leah Middleton (six deflections, one intercept, three rebounds and five turnovers) worked hard in defence, whilst Mikki Austin registered 19 feeds for the match.

Strathclyde Sirens travels to the University of Essex Arena next Saturday, March 12 to take on Saracens Mavericks, whilst the Surrey Storm head to Copper Box Arena on the same day to lock horns with London Pulse.

Reigning premiers Loughborough Lightning flexed their muscles with a dominant 71-47 victory over fellow contender, Saracens Mavericks. The Mavericks were coming off a loss to Manchester Thunder, but were tipped to take it right up to the unbeaten Lightning. However in front of home fans, the Lightning struck early with a 19-7 opening term to really set up the win. Though that was impressive, the Lightning won all four quarters – including a 20-13 third term – as they went on to run away with the match to the tune of 24 goals and re-establish their title intentions.

Mary Cholhok was unstoppable with 47 goals from 62 attempts and pulling down six rebounds in a mammoth effort under the post. With Ella Clark (11 goals, 18 feeds and one intercept) playing the support role to perfection, and the midcourt of Hannah Joseph (23 feeds) and Natalie Panagarry (14 feeds, two deflections, one intercept and one turnover) doing brilliantly, there was little the Mavericks defence could do to stop them. Ine-Mari Venter (28 goals from 32 attempts) tried hard with fairly good accuracy, whilst it was the work of Razia Quashie (three intercepts, three deflections and three turnovers) who, despite having to go up against Cholhok, never stopped trying. Britney Clarke also came on to scored 11 goals from 13 attempts and mix up the attack.

Loughborough Lightning have a break in Round 7, with Saracens Mavericks to host Strathclyde Sirens on Saturday, March 12 for their next match.