NETBALL: TEAMWORK was the key ingredient for Wasps Netball as they produced an impressive all-round performance to defeat Severn Stars in a convincing 44-65 away victory in the Vitality Netball Superleague.
Tamsin Greenway’s side made the short trip to Worcester to face fellow Superleague newcomers Severn Stars on Friday, putting on a dominant display to bounce back from last weekend’s loss against Loughborough Lightning.
Wasps Netball asserted their dominance from the first quarter and continued to build their advantage to secure their fourth league win.
Tamsin Greenway believes her team made a statement in the victory in the Midlands clash, setting the side up perfectly for a home clash against top four rivals Manchester Thunder at the Ericsson Indoor Arena on Friday, 24 March (8.00pm centre pass).
She said: “We had a little bit of a point to prove in this game, the girls were frustrated last Saturday and we knew we had to turn it around and start putting some things into action.
“The players all came in and did an extra training session this week to make sure we got it right and it paid off.
“This win will fill the girls with confidence, it wasn’t perfect but we were able to stamp our authority and I’m really pleased with how we performed.
“Superstars don’t win competitions, teamwork does. The team looked after each other from the very first whistle, if we continue to play like that as the season goes on we’ll keep getting better and better.”
Wasps Netball opened the game with a new-duo of Rachel Dunn and Nat Haythornthwaite in the shooting circle, the pair enjoyed a blistering start to the first quarter, racing out to a five goal lead within the first five minutes.
The away team continued to prove clinical when afforded opportunities, closing the quarter with the score at 7-20.
Wing attack Sophia Candappa, making her first start of the season, continued to find Dunn in dangerous areas during the second quarter, as the experienced goal-shooter extended Wasps’ lead.
Severn Stars showed flashes of impressive play, scoring three unanswered goals, but were unable to keep pace as Wasps seemed unable to miss and built an imposing 13 goal lead by the end of the first half.
Wasps Netball came out after half-time with the same intensity and Dunn on form.
The visitors had built a 20 goal advantage going into the final quarter, affording Tamsin Greenway the opportunity to make changes – giving Francesca Williams her Superleague debut at the same arena she also made her first England appearance.
Despite the new on-court combinations, Wasps Netball continued to impress and secured a resounding 44-65 victory at the University of Worcester Arena.
Wasps Netball return to the Ricoh Arena in their next fixture, to face Manchester Thunder on Friday, March 24. (8.00pm centre pass).
Once again, Wasps Fan Village will be open pre-match, with a special Mum Zone available to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with free prosecco, cupcake and head and shoulder massages available on a first come first served basis.
