NETBALL: IT HAS been a perfect start to the Superleague season for Wasps Netball after they made it two wins out of two in what is their debut season in the competition.
After making a winning start against the Sirens in Glasgow last week, Wasps Netball followed that up with a comfortable 46-70 victory against Team Northumbria.
In front of a bumper crowd at Birmingham’s Genting Arena as part of the Superleague Super Ten Weekend, Tamsin Greenway’s side grew more confident as the game wore on to secure a convincing score line.
It sets them up perfectly for their first ever home match against Hertfordshire Mavericks at the Ricoh Arena on March 6 (6pm centre-pass).
Greenway said: “It has been a great first week of the season – the new clubs and the Super 10 has really brought profile to the sport and we just want to keep building from here.
“There has been a strong interest in Wasps because of the powerful branding and our connection with the rugby, that that is really good to see.
“That means there is pressure on us as a new team with a high profile, so it is really pleasing we have got off to a good start.
“Now we are just looking forward to playing at the Ricoh. It is what we have been building towards for the last seven months and we can’t wait to play.”
Both sides began the game trading goals, but it was Wasps who grew the stronger as the quarter wore on.
Team Northumbria’s goal attack Semple had the chance to put her side ahead at 11-11, but her missed shot was punished by Wasps’ attacking duo Rachel Dunn and George Fisher who helped their side into a five point lead heading into the break.
Wasps went into a 12-goal lead mid-way through the second quarter before Team Northumbria managed to pull the scoreline back to within seven points.
However, Wasps’ clinical attack kept them well ahead, with Rachel Dunn signing off the second quarter with a goal from the edge of the circle.
Team Northumbria were rocked by an injury to their captain Katarina Cooper in the third quarter, as Wasps stretched the gap to lead by 13 goals.
Sophia Candappa made her Wasps debut in the centre, and linked up well with attackers Natalie Haythornthwaite and Rachel Dunn who kept Team Northumbria’s Georgia Rowe’s ten goals at bay.
Wasps’ star goal shooter Georgie Fisher returned for the final quarter to help Tamsin Greenway’s side put the game to bed and she scored 14 goals from some great service from Rachel Dunn and Natalie Haythornthwaite.
Greenway added: “I was really pleased with the way we won the game. Team Northumbria were very, very solid and gave us some headaches. They surprised us with their line-up and we had to work that out which we did really well.
“At times we played some really good netball and looked as if we were enjoying ourselves which is always a good sign.”
Wasps Netball’s first home game is against Hertfordshire Mavericks on March 5, with a pre-match fan village open from 4pm, with netball activities, music, a chance to meet the players.
For more information or to buy tickets, starting at £10 for adults, visit www.waspsnetball.co.uk/tickets
