Super 10 returns this Saturday in what will be a blockbuster year for netball.
The Vitality Netball Superleague is back with a feast of netball, five back to back fixtures will be screened live on Sky Sports Mix as all 10 teams descend on the Arena Birmingham.
Manchester Thunder take on Saracens Mavericks in the final and most anticipated fixture of the day at 7pm. The black and yellows have kept hold of the nucleus of their squad, strengthening with the return of shooter Eleanor Cardwell making up probably the most formidable front line in the league. Mid-courter Laura Malcolm also makes a come-back, while former Thunder youth player Rebekah Airey moves back to the north west from Loughborough Lightning.
The Hertfordshire-based outfit have also recruited well in the off-season with the arrival of former players George Fisher and the Commonwealth gold medal winner Kadeen Corbin. While dogged defender Jo Tripp made the move across London from rivals Surrey Storm.
Thunder will be looking to improve on third-placed finishes the last two seasons and Mavericks will be wanting to stake a claim for a play-off place after missing out last season.
Thunder head coach Karen Greig is keen to get started and ahead of the first game said:
“We’re all looking forward to kicking off the season this Saturday against Mavericks. We have had a good and intense pre-season where we have looked at a number of combinations working within our Thunder way and all have a different dynamic that bring an exciting brand of netball to the court. I am happy with where we are at and the squad are raring to go.
“Mavericks have recruited well over the off season strengthening both defence and shooting ends. If their possible combinations are firing they’ll definitely prove to be a tough team to beat on Saturday.”