The Co-operative Netball Superleague Round 14 and Looking Ahead to Round 15

Round 14 of The Co-operative Netball Superleague threw up a big surprise, as Glasgow Wildcats beat Brunel Hurricanes 48-42 in an electrifying match at Guildford Spectrum.

Glasgow started at a hurried pace in what was a scrappy start for both teams however Wildcats were the first to settle in, moving a goal ahead. Hurricanes replied to this initial challenge by taking control and turned the score around to change ends two goals up.

Hurricanes suffered a blow in the second quarter as goal defence Sonia Mkoloma took a tumble on her ankle, which hindered her play throughout the match.

The third quarter saw a spectacular battle of the blondes as Glasgow’s Claire Brownie, who maintained a composed control of centre court, tussled with Kate Ricks.

Mkoloma was missing for the third quarter and Wildcats made the most of her absence. Feeding the ball in became a breeze, seeing them make 20 shots in just 15 minutes. A combination of excellent work in both defence and attack saw the Scottish side claw their way seven goals ahead before conceding one just before the whistle.

With 15 minutes to go it seemed to dawn on Hurricanes that there was a good chance they were facing defeat by the team at the bottom of The Co-operative Netball Superleague table and stepped up the pace. Mkoloma returned to the court but could do little to halt the precision of Glasgow’s shooter.

One last flurry by the Hurricanes brought them level 41-41 but a series of fouls cost them and the Wildcats calmly took the lead and headed to victory. Don’t miss the chance to see the action for yourself on Sky Sports Xtra (Thursday 12^th February, 6pm) - this match is definitely worth tuning into.

With things hotting up in the tail end of the season, who knows what’s in store next? Hurricanes will be hoping for a Happy Valentines Day date when Team Northumbria visit on Saturday (6pm Guildford Spectrum).

The match between Mavericks and Northern Thunder in Hatfield drew in a decent crowd despite the weather. Thunder jumped straight off the starting block, pushing hard and forcing 18 turnovers in the first 15 minutes.

Kerry Almond once again proved her strength in Thunder’s defence, making key interceptions while leading the team from the back.

It was only by the third quarter that Mavericks managed to start dominating the match, as Thunder kept putting the pressure on. Experience began to show in the second half as the home side moved comfortably ahead, as Mavericks took hold of the match, winning 52-30 at the final whistle.

Loughborough Lightning closed the gap on The Co-operative Netball Superleague leaders TeamBath after a convincing second half display against Leeds Carnegie.

It started well for Lightning, who were able to net four goals without reply from Leeds, as Olivia Murphy ensured the ball didn’t make it through to the visiting attack until the first quarter was well underway. Just as well the Loughborough centre court players were able to slow things up as the Carnegie shooting team really had their eyes in. Eighty per cent of Joanne Walker’s shots went in, while goal attack Amanda Martin continued her outstanding run of form.

Loughborough are certainly pushing for a top of the table finish to the season, hoping to push the mighty TeamBath of lead position. Coach Colette Thompson was please with the side and, while full of praise for Olivia Murphy, singled out Natasha Hampshire as outstanding.

Perhaps with the play offs in mind, Coach Murphy said: “We need more of the same in attack, although this was our best performance ‘attack- wise’ all season.” But added: “We need to get to grips with opposition’s dominant players.”