WITH the midway point of the 2021 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) well and truly upon us, its time to take a look at the players in each side that have worked hard week in, week out to produce strong efforts, win, lose or draw. Some may be the most consistent and some may be the impact players, but across all 11 teams there are gamebreakers aplenty, and we look down the Round 10/11 ladder order at those names.

When it comes to a team like Team Bath, there are very little loose cogs across the court. Not only does the side boast a wealth of experienced England Roses, but it also has a heap of depth on the bench which allows the side to ply its trade and win games no matter which lineup it boasts on the day. With that being said, an undeniable game changer for the squad this year is the emergence of Betsy Creak. Whilst there is no denying the impact and accuracy of firepower duo Kim Borger and Sophie Drakeford-Lewis out the front, Creak has well and truly proved she is more than capable of adding another string to the Bath bow in the goal circle, and has consistently showcased her goaling nous on court this season. Tash Pavelin is another who has continuously stepped up and provided an excellent rotation, with the defender developing nicely across the first half of the season.

Much like Bath, Loughborough Lightning has a heap of players who can step up and star. Whilst the side boasts a highly experienced and developed lineup, there is no doubt the injection of Beth Cobden to the fray this season has allowed the side to step up, but also the continued development of the likes of Suzie Liverseidge and Jas Odeogberin at either end of the court. The two young guns are highly versatile and can effectively slot into any number of positions at their respective ends, which is ultimately what makes the Lightning so dangerous this season – their ability to tie their experienced names and talented youngsters in together. Next on the list is Manchester Thunder, with the side encountering a slight blip early on in the season but on the move now to keep that winning form. But with maintaining winning form has come a selection nightmare with the side’s bench fairly young, and seeing the same starters play out matches virtually every week. For the Manchester side, the way they have shuffled since losing Emma Dovey has been outstanding, with Kerry Almond and Rebekah Airey consistently holding down the fort defensively and proving that they can conquer any goaler that enters their circle.

Sitting in fourth at the midway point of the season is the Wasps, with the midcourt combination of Iona Christian and Amy Flanagan working wonders as the side remains in the hunt. The defensively-minded centre-court duo are rarely found away from their opposition, and have a wealth of endurance that has allowed the Wasps to continuously fight for ball back through the centre third. The injection of Gezelle Allison out the front also allows the side to add a bit of unpredictability to the goal circle. The Saracens Mavericks are not too far behind the Wasps on the ladder, and despite losing Razia Quashie a couple of rounds ago, they have proven more than capable of bringing the heat against the top sides. Jodie Gibson has been a continuous shining light for the side, with her versatility and consistency paying off in spades, while Britney Clarke has also showcased plenty of star power when she has relieved Kadeen Corbin and Ine-Mari Venter at the post, able to put up goals efficiently and accurately under pressure.

Looking to the Leeds Rhinos, and they were undoubtably the most unsure side ahead of the season proper purely due to the lack of court-time last season. Whilst a couple of Round 1/2 injuries to Donnell Wallam and Fi Toner certainly did not do the side any favours, there is no doubt that the loss gave other players a chance to step up – and step up they did. Rhea Dixon and Sienna Rushton are the two who spring to mind, firing on all cylinders out the front with Brittany Coleman providing a handy rotation too, whilst Rosie Harris has made the most of her chances on court. The real surprise packet for the season has been the Strathclyde Sirens, with the Gia Abernethy-led side kicking up a notch with connections better than ever in attack, with Emma Barrie and Bethan Dyke handling things well in the absence of Lynsey Gallagher, while there is no denying the huge impact of Malawian import Towera Vinkhumbo in the backline.

Looking toward the bottom four sides, and London Pulse is up next in a frustrating season, labouring away despite its star quality across the court. Regardless of scorelines though, teenage superstar Funmi Fadoju is a player who never relents and is just go, go, go, consistently doing just about anything possible to get the ball down to her goalers. What really makes the young defender so exciting is that she is still only at the development stage of what is sure to be an illustrious career, with innate timing and excellent vision allowing her to continuously impact the play. Surrey Storm similarly boasts some really exciting young talent, but up the front-end rather than in defence. Teenager Sophie Kelly is one to watch in attack for the side, continuously developing her craft and clearly benefiting off the wealth of experience Australian Karyn Bailey provides at the post. She is a hard worker and tough player to crack, and plays with a lot of freedom with so much to gain from small periods out on court. Frankie Wells is another who has come along in leaps and bounds, with her connection and confidence growing as the season rolls on.

Severn Stars are unlucky to be the penultimate team listed here, with just goal difference separating the Stars and both Pulse and Storm ahead of them. Georgia Rowe is a huge target out the front for the side, and what makes her so critical is her volume and accuracy to post. Whilst she does not always have a wealth of chances, she is a hard player to crack given her height and read of the airball, which allows her to position well and create opportunities in attack. For the cellar dwellers, Celtic Dragons, a couple of bright players have brought some light into what has thus far proved to be a disappointing campaign, with Shona O’Dwyer, Amy Clinton and Rebekah Robinson among the talented names who do not relent across the court.