I tried, I really did, but to write a review of each round of the Vitality Netball Superleague was just beyond me! There’s been too many young stars emerging, too many umpiring calls to talk about and too many ‘comebacks’ that have just been unbelievably inspiring!
The excitement has also got the better of me! I’ve been writing coaching notes on each match, tweeting my little heart out (@netballcoachnow) & enthusiastically encouraging my netball community to get watching. Frankly, I’m exhausted and writing match reports may well send me over the edge!
We’ve come to a natural break with no Superleague matches this weekend though, so thought now was a good time to pause, take a break and put some of my thoughts down on paper.
So here goes........
Let’s first talk about the emerging talent we’ve seen! From Sophie Kelly’s immediate impact for Storm to Alice Harvey’s amazing consistency for Lightning. The EN pathway seems to be bursting with talent & it’s incredible we get to see these players at the beginning of their careers!
Regular readers will know I have a long term worry about what happens when England LEGEND Geva retires. It keeps me awake at night!
I needn’t! It’s covered! 😉
There have been some stand out performances from stalwart players too. Lightning’s Mary Chalhok is in incredible form, the transformation from 3 years ago is amazing (check out YouTube!)
Sophie Drakeford -Lewis really impressed in the England Roses tour to New Zealand at the end of last year. She has started the Superleague where she left off in NZ!
Her partnership with Kim Borger is already reaping benefits and is only going to get better. I am loving seeing them play!
Controversially perhaps, I’ve been disappointed with the import players so far this season - at least those who arrived with some fanfare!
Maybe, Jamaican shooters Rebekah Robinson & Gezelle Allison need a bit longer to ‘bed in’ to their respective teams. I thought the SA attacking line up of Sigi Burger & Lefebre Rademan would smash up the court for Pulse but again it might be more of a slow burn!
In comparison, those who arrived in the Vitality Superleague more quietly have made their mark!
Storm defender Leah Middleton has particularly impressed for me. Her work rate both on & off the ball is phenomenal & you can see, as each game passes, she looks a bit more comfortable & is adjusting to the UK umpires! Her partnership with Alima Priest is also going to bear more fruit as the season progresses.
Malawian Towera Vinkhumbo is also stamping her authority on the Superleague court. Sirens have picked up a great signing at GK and again she will only get better as the season progresses.
Has Sirens been the ‘surprise’ package of the season? They’ve unfortunately picked up a number of injuries but just go about their business quietly & in a really efficient way. They’re young shooting circle of Emma Barrie & Beth Goodwin weren’t the starting shooting combo but have stepped up big time, seemingly running rings around defenders with far more experience. That is a partnership that is going places in the future!
Could Sirens secret weapon not be on court at all?! Karen Atkinson is match day coach for the side & I just have a feeling that is making all the difference to their confidence. After all, what an inspiration & fountain of knowledge to have next to you!
Atkinson’s former team Loughborough Lightning are also going great guns in 2021. A great mix of youth and experience, Coach Sara Bayman has got them playing some first class netball. Their mid court of Joseph, Pannagary & Cobden is among the slickest in the league.
For me, the ones to beat are still Team Bath. I tipped them for the title ( see previous blog) before the league began and on paper, at least, they have superior strength in depth. I’ve seen nothing on court to make me change my mind! If anything, they might be a little further along than I thought!
Bath play Thunder when the action returns and that is going to be one game not to miss!
What am I saying? I haven’t missed any this season and not likely to either! Happy netball watching!
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