A TRIPLE treat across the United Kingdom saw three Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) matches played out, with the higher ranked sides coming up trumps in each one. Manchester Thunder toppled Strathclyde Sirens by 11 goals at Emirates Arena, London Pulse defeated Wasps Netball by 17 at Copper Box, and Loughborough Lightning took down Surrey Storm at Surrey Sports Park by 16.

Manchester Thunder proved too strong for Strathclyde Sirens, winning each of the four quarters to salute by 11 goals on the road. The Thunder lead by a goal at the first break, but extended that lead to six by half-time off the back of a 17-12 second term. The lead kept growing through the second half even though the Sirens managed to claw back in general play, still losing that second half by five, but being ultra- competitive. The Thunder ended up winning 71-60.

High volume shooter Joyce Mvula earned Player of the Match for her outstanding 50 goals from 55 attempts at 90 per cent efficiency, as well as five feeds, three rebounds, two turnovers, an intercept and a deflection. Her partner-in-crime Eleanor Cardwell managed the 21 goals from 25 attempts, also having a couple of deflections and a rebound. Natalie Metcalf and Caroline O’Hanlon had 49 feeds between them, whilst Kerry Almond returned to the Thunder lineup and picked up five turnovers, three intercepts, three rebounds and two deflections.

The Sirens shooting duo of Bethan Goodwin (40 goals from 44 attempts) and Niamh McCall (20 from 26) both produced reliable sources around the shooting circle, with wing attack Bethany Dix crucial in feeding them (25 feeds). In defence, Emily Nicholl had a great game with five deflections, three turnovers and an intercept in the loss.

Strathclyde Sirens will look to bounce back form the loss with a four-day turnaround, coming up against Loughborough Lightning on Friday, whilst Manchester Thunder have two clashes in Round 5, taking on Saracens Mavericks, and Wasps Netball.

London Pulse were able to level their win-loss columns with a win over Wasps Netball, credit to a stunning second half. The teams headed into quarter time and half-time all-square, with the scores at 13 and then 31 goals apiece. The Pulse won the game with a stunning third quarter domination, piling on 18 goals to five to race away to a 13-goal lead at the final break. Though the Wasps managed to contain the Pulse more in the last quarter, the Pulse still won it 12-8, and saluted 52-35 with a 52-35.

Already having a stellar 2022 season, Olivia Tchine collected another accolade with a Player of the Match performance. She put up 37 goals from 42 attempts in the win, combining well with Sacha McDonald (12 from 14). Tayla Honey had a team-high 13 feeds as the Pulse shuffled their midcourt, and Ashleigh Dekker also stepped up. In defence, Zara Everitt (three intercepts and eight deflections) and Funmi Fadoju (four intercepts, three deflections and one rebound) both stood out.

Rachel Dunn (16 goals from 18 attempts) made the most of her limited chances, also picking up two rebounds for the Wasps. Dunn paired up with Lucy Parize (12 goals from 18 attempts) and three rebounds in the goal circle. Iona Christian stood up in the midcourt with 15 feeds, two deflections, an intercept and a turnover, whilst Josie Huckle amassed team-highs in deflections (seven), turnovers (six) and intercepts (three) to be her side’s standout in the loss.

The Wasps will have a week’s wait until taking on Manchester Thunder next Monday, whilst London Pulse hosts Celtic Dragons on Saturday afternoon.

Reigning premiers Loughborough Lightning have remained undefeated by accounting for Surrey Storm, winning on the road by 16 goals. The Lightning put the foot down from the opening centre pass, piling on a massive 24 goals to 11 in the first term. To the Storm’s credit, they were highly competitive after that, winning the second term 18-15, and then reducing the deficit to as little as eight at one stage. The Lightning steadied from that point on though, scoring 23 of the last 38 goals to run out 72-56 victors.

It was another dominant display from a post shooter, with Mary Cholhok putting up 52 goals from 57 attempts, and pulling down three offensive rebounds and collecting a deflection. Ella Clark (12 from 15, and 10 feeds) supported Cholhok well, whilst Hannah Joseph managed 24 feeds. Fran Williams (four deflections, four turnovers and one rebound) and Alice Harvey (five turnovers, six deflections and two intercepts) both stood tall in the back third.

For the Storm, Leah Middleton did her best in defence with six turnovers, four intercepts, three deflections and a defensive rebound out of goal defence. Up front, Peace Proscovia did all the heavy lifting, shooting at 100 per cent from her 49 shots, whilst Yasmin Parsons (25 feeds, one deflection) was the pick of the Surrey midcourters.

Loughborough Lighting will have the four-day turnaround before facing Strathclyde Sirens on Friday night, whilst Surrey Storm hosts Leeds Rhinos on Saturday evening.