18 February 2020

Manchester Thunder shooter Cardwell believes it is an 'advantage' that they have kept players ahead of Superleague season

England international Eleanor Cardwell believes it is an 'advantage' that Manchester Thunder head coach Karen Greig has retained her players ahead of the 2020 Vitality Netball Superleague season.

The defending champions are looking to secure back-to-back titles and Cardwell believes it is possible as they have only lost two players from last year.

Kerry Almond retired after the end of last season and Liana Leota signed for Severn Stars.

But 25-year-old Cardwell, who signed for Thunder in 2019, feels keeping the same core group of players bodes well.

She said: "I think it's a great advantage. It means that we can build on last season. The girls are slotting in really nicely, so it is just about building.

"Again, it's about trying to be consistent throughout the whole season and not letting any games slip.

"We’ve got 10 players who can all be in the starting seven. If they were in any other Superleague team, I think they would be playing [as starters]. I think that’s a great quality to have in a team; to be able to put any player on at any point."

The two new signings for the 2020 season are Malawian Lauren Ngwira and Australian Ash Neal. 

Vice captain Laura Malcolm added: "We really enjoy spending time together and having a laugh.

"Lauren [Ngwira] and Ash [Neal] have fitted in brilliantly, so it will be nice to have something different as well as a lot of the same."

Thunder will face Wasps in the Season Opener on February 22 at the Arena Birmingham. 

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