MONDAY night’s Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) action is done and dusted with the final games of Round 12 bringing plenty of excitement. The Wasps reversed their fortunes despite the short turnaround while both Surrey and London Pulse hit the court for the first time this round.

Wasps Netball (53) defeated Severn Stars (27)

Player of the match: Josie Huckle (Wasps Netball)

After suffering defeat earlier in the round the Wasps bounced back last night to comprehensively beat the Severn Stars. The Wasps defence was on song from the opening quarter keeping the Stars to single digits and really flexed their muscles in the third term limiting them to a mere three goals. The Wasps’ overall intensity and composure with ball in hand was impressive as they clogged up the Stars’ space and capitalised on their opportunities to score.

The defensive unit had a different look for the Stars as Malysha Kelly got the nod in goal keeper while Dee Bolakoro continued her impressive form out the front in goal defence. Liana Leota had her work cut out for her in her second game back and was well held for large chunks of the game up against Lily May Catling. The old firm in Rachel Dunn and Katie Harris stood strong in the goal circle for the Wasps with the duo able to add to the scoreboard with great ease while the introduction of livewire Gezelle Allison also spurred the Wasps on. The combination of Fran Williams and Josie Huckle was incredibly strong as the pair stopped any easy transition and quick ball movement into the goal circle covering the attacking movement of Georgia Rowe and Paige Reed. Huckle and Williams were able to read the play exceptionally well and impose themselves physically on the contest to win ball back and propel it down the court.

Surrey Storm (41) defeated by London Pulse (43)

Player of the match: Sigi Burger (London Pulse)

London Pulse finally got a much-needed and hard-fought win on the board downing the Storm by a mere two goals. it was an incredibly tight game from the opening quarter with neither side able to be separated both at quarter and half time. The game started to open up a little bit in the third term with the Storm piling on 11 goals to 10 to hold a narrow lead but that is where it ended as the Pulse put the foot down in the final term to steer the ship home for a win.

It was a strong showing from player of the match and South African representative Sigi Burger who controlled the airways under the post for the Pulse. Her ability to edge closer to the post and all-round accuracy gifted her side with the derby win, rallying in the final term to get her side over the line. The defensive changes from the Pulse in the second half also paid dividends as Funmi Fadoju and Lindsay Keable made a splash in wing defence and goal defence respectively to win back a wealth of ball. They combined seamlessly down in defence with Halimat Adio as they worked to pressure Emma Magee who got off to a flyer. Ashleigh Dekker was also key in the final stanza for the Pulse able to provide that run through the centre while Kira Rothwell had her eye in when it came to feeding Lefebre Rademan and Burger. Outside of Magee, Alima Priest was huge for the Storm working in overdrive to shut down the Pulse goalers and win back her fair share of the ball to provide Surrey with an opportunity to attack. Mikki Austin and Yasmin Parsons worked gallantly through the midcourt but the side just fell short of the win.