THE Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) continues to showcase plenty of exciting talent week in and week out, so expect no different as we enter Round 16 of VNSL action. The Celtic Dragons have earned a well-deserved week off following some improved form, as Wasps Netball and Manchester Thunder take to the court twice.

SUNDAY, MAY 16

Severn Stars v. Leeds Rhinos

When it comes to the opening game of the round, expect to see no stone unturned from the Stars and Rhinos. Ultimately, the Rhinos are one of the in-form teams at the moment and need to take every chance they can get to put a win on the board to finish off the season, while the Stars have been impotent at times but blooded up some exciting young talent which will look to test the Rhinos’ combinations. There will be no shortage of quality across the court when the two sides collide, so expect plenty of intensity from both sides as the Stars look to get an elusive fourth win on the board and Rhinos hope to gain on Wasps and Mavericks.

Expect Rhinos sharpshooter Donnell Wallam to put on yet another goaling clinic at the post, with the Australian import continuing business as usual since returning from injury. Boasting accuracy and plenty of star power, the developing goaler rarely skips a beat but could be challenged this round by Stars defender Alima Priest, after the goal keeper all but shut down Mary Cholhok last round in an exciting display of what she is capable of. Rhea Dixon has been shining out in goal attack and could pose a challenge for the Stars back-end, although there is no doubting the skill, execution and gamechanging ability of Stars midcourter Liana Leota, with the New Zealander finding just about any avenue to Paige Reed and Georgia Rowe at the post. If the Stars can put on another defensive show like they did last week, the Rhinos better watch out.

Team Bath v. Surrey Storm

Expect Bath to remain top dogs this round when they come up against penultimate side Surrey Storm, with form and confidence keeping the blue and gold side in the lead for majority of the season now and little the lower-ranked sides can do to stop them in their tracks. Whilst the Storm have shown glimpses of form, inconsistency has proven to be a significant issue as the side struggles to get goals on the board, and two significant margins last round will unfortunately play a role in how they suit up this week.

Through the midcourt is Storm’s best bet of matching Bath, with Mikki Austin and Yasmin Parsons both capable of putting on impressive drives and most importantly, finding the loose ball. While they will have their work cut out for them against Serena Guthrie and Imogen Allison respectively, the Storm duo are as reliable as they come and will look to really test the defensive minded Bath duo. Both ends have a key Australian figure at the post, with Bath boasting Kim Borger and Storm showcasing Karyn Bailey. Whilst both are more than capable of holding up under pressure on their own, its far and away the ability of Bath goal attack Sophie Drakeford-Lewis to inject herself on the contest which makes Bath’s attack so strong, consistently finding the ball both inside and outside the circle. Layla Guscoth and Eboni Usoro-Brown have looked classy on court this season so expect no different when they line up on Bailey and any number of Storm goal attacks.

Wasps Netball v. Strathclyde Sirens

Both the Wasps and Sirens have plenty riding on this match, with the Wasps realistically needing a win here – against the side they drew against last time they met – while the Sirens have nothing to lose and everything to gain by stopping the Wasps from making finals. Whilst there are still three rounds left of the season, including next week’s double round, the Sirens are unlikely to make finals now but are still a chance iff they can stop the Wasps in their tracks, just three wins behind the side. That makes this one a must-win for both sides as they look to the run home.

There is no shortage of exciting lineups when you take a look at this matchup, with plenty of dominant players for both sides taking on players in impressive form. Iona Christian will have a big matchup on Sirens captain Gia Abernethy while there is no doubt Wasps’ Amy Flanagan and Sirens wings Beth Dix and Taylor Cullen have been in impressive form, showcasing just how much development has gone on over the past year. Factor in that Sirens livewire Towera Vinkhumbo will line up on the ever dangerous and fleet-footed Rachel Dunn, and there is no doubt there will be major challenges for both sides to hurdle. Katie Harris is more than capable of sharing the load with Dunn while at the other end, youngster Emma Barrie and a combination of Bethan Goodwin and Niamh McCall has the Sirens front-end singing with Josie Huckle and Fran Williams tasked with shutting them down.

Manchester Thunder v. Saracens Mavericks 

The Mavericks are another side that need a win here to start locking down a position on the ladder, but with Wasps pushing two wins ahead, Rhinos hot on their tail and now taking on the Manchester Thunder this week, the Mavs will be under a wealth of pressure this week – and not just on the court. With Razia Quashie still healing and Thunder in with a chance to push ahead to draw level with Loughborough Lightning, expect the side to leave nothing to chance in a huge clash between third and fifth.

Both sides boast plenty of phenomenal names, with once more the midcourt set to play a huge role in this encounter. The combination of Laura Malcolm and Caroline O’Hanlon is hard to stop but will be challenged well by the likes of Gabby Marshall and Georgia Lees, while there is no doubting the experience Sasha Corbin brings to the Mavs. Jodie Gibson and Jo Trip have worked well in recent weeks to propel oncoming ball but will certainly be tested by classy Thunder duo, Ellie Cardwell and Joyce Mvula, while at the other end it will be down to veteran Kerry Almond and fellow defenders Emma Dovey and Rebekah Airey to shut down the likes of Ine-Mari Venter, Kadeen Corbin and Britney Clarke, with the latter providing an excellent impact option at the post.

Tip: Rhinos by 8, Bath by 15, Sirens by 2, Thunder by 7

MONDAY, MAY 17

Wasps Netball v. Manchester Thunder

The opening match of Monday’s proceedings will see another huge clash, this time between two sides that need wins on the board here as they look towards finals. While Manchester do arguably come in as favourites, the Wasps have proved they are more than capable of taking vital points off sides and will look to steal one back here against a side just one ahead of them on the ladder. If Manchester manage two wins this round, they could well challenge Lightning’s spot on the ladder and set up plenty of action in the coming weeks.

When it comes to key matchups, this game has them all – from seasoned professionals Dunn and Almond at one end, to Mvula and Huckle at the other, there is no doubt there is little between the two sides when it comes down to their personnel or combinations. Expect a tight battle between centres Christian and O’Hanlon, with both at very different stages of their respective careers but known for their never-say-die attitudes, while Amy Carter is another viable option to take the court for Thunder too. Whilst the Wasps got the bragging rights last time they met, the side still had captain Sophia Candappa at its disposal so will be relying on Christian and Harris to find the circle, as the Thunder look to outclass the Wasps in this matchup.

London Pulse v. Loughborough Lightning

Expect the Pulse to come out with a fire in the belly in a tough one against the Lightning, which the Lightning should ultimately win comprehensively. Whilst the Pulse have shown moments of toughness in recent rounds, retaining eighth position on the ladder, the Lightning are not second on the ladder for no reason and have been a formidable force for each and every team to face. Especially with Sigi Burger still out of the side, the Pulse will have a tough time getting the points in this one.

Even with Burger out of the mix, Pulse still boast a highly exciting and versatile front-line with Olivia Tchine showcasing some excellent form in goal shooter with both Lefebre Rademan and Kira Rothwell impacting well in goal attack where required. Speedster Adean Thomas has shown some better form in recent weeks and will really look to hold up out the front, especially coming up against in-form wing defence Beth Cobden who has starred this season alongside Nat Panagarry through the centre. Expect youngster Funmi Fadoju to continue her sparkling ways rotating through the backline with Zara Everitt and Lindsay Keable, as the Pulse trio look to test the ever-tough combination of Cholhok and Ella Clark. While at the Lightning back-end there is no doubt Sam May, Alice Harvey and Jas Odeogberin have the ability to stop players in their tracks and will look to continue that form here.

Tip: Thunder by 3, Lightning by 13

Picture credit: Ben Lumley Photography