ROUND 15 of the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) saw some predictable results as the higher ranked teams secured the win over their lower placed opponents. Loughborough Lightning took the court twice as did Surrey Storm with the latter falling short in both outings further solidifying their spot towards the lower end of the ladder. In this new series, each week Draft Central will compare the most recent ladders given how quickly things can change, and delve into how each round of fixturing can change up positions based on the amount of matches each side has played.

ROUND 13/14 LADDER

1. Team Bath (13-1)
2. Loughborough Lightning (11-2)
3. Manchester Thunder (10-3)
4. Wasps Netball (9-5-1)
5. Saracens Mavericks (8-5-1)
6. Leeds Rhinos (8-6)
7. Strathclyde Sirens (6-6-2)
8. London Pulse (3-11)
9. Severn Stars (3-11)
10. Surrey Storm (2-11)
11. Celtic Dragons (1-13)

ROUND 15 LADDER

1. Team Bath (14-1)
2. Loughborough Lightning (13-2)
3. Manchester Thunder (11-3)
4. Wasps Netball (10-5-1)
5. Saracens Mavericks (8-5-1)
6. Leeds Rhinos (8-7)
7. Strathclyde Sirens (7-6-2)
8. London Pulse (3-12)
9. Severn Stars (3-12)
10. Surrey Storm (2-13)
11. Celtic Dragons (1-14)

There were no changes to the ladder in Round 15 as each side solidified their standings on the ladder. Only 10 of the 11 sides got their chance to shine out on court with the Lightning and Storm pulling on the bib twice and the Mavericks given a week off but not impacting ladder positioning in any shape or form. The mid-table logjam continued to develop as Saracens Mavericks and Leeds Rhinos sit just outside the top four but mounting pressure on the top teams. The Mavericks currently have nine wins under their belt for the season with the only difference between them and the Rhinos, Leeds’ draw. The Rhinos were handed a comprehensive loss at the hands of the top of the table Team Bath as the blue and gold maintained their one game clear buffer. Bath only get better and better with their connections across the court and skill to withstand the barrage of pressure enabling them to dismiss the Rhinos with ease and shape up as clear premiership favourites. It was a disappointing round for Surrey Storm who were given two chances to leapfrog their way up the ladder but fell short on both occasions. Surrey were well and truly found out in their clash against Loughborough Lightning as they were kept to a mere 28 goals while Strathclyde Sirens also got the last laugh. Looking at the Lightning and they continued to add to their winning total notching up two straight victories to not only hold down their positioning on the ladder but add to their percentage which will be imperative as the Wasps and Manchester Thunder are hot on their heels. Thunder once again proved why they are a real threat in the competition securing a dominant win over the Dragons. The win keeps them within touching distance of the Lightning as only one game separates the two sides on the ladder. Wasps also maintained their standings in fourth spot on the ladder clinching their eighth win of the season, this time against London Pulse who put them through their paces. The Pulse have been competitive for large chunks of the season and Round 15 was a testament to this. However the absence of Sigi Burger and Halimat Adio was obvious and ultimately hindered their ability to secure a win here which would have taken their tally to four wins for the season. But credit where credit is due, the Wasps’ capacity to grind out games and rely on structures well and truly came to the fore as they look to hunt down the Lightning and Bath ahead of them on the ladder. Looking at the bottom of the ladder and the Celtic Dragons were unable to get back on the winners list after their heroics last round, suffering a 14-goal loss to the higher placed Thunder. Severn Stars showed glimpses of magic in their clash but could not put out a full four quarter performance as they remained in ninth spot on the ladder, one game ahead of the Storm. Casting an eye ahead to Round 16 and it is fair to say that anything is possible as sides look to keep their finals dreams intact. The Mavericks will be eager to take the court and notch up a much needed win to leapfrog into the top four while the Rhinos will be hoping to bounce back.