Netball Super League | Severn Stars Announces Exciting Squad for 2018

A mixture of international and national experience, along with emerging talent makes up the new Severn Stars squad, which has been announced ahead of the new Superleague season.

Ellie Cardwell and University of Worcester student Jodie Gibson, who have both been selected for the England squad taking part in a three-match Vitality Netball International Series against Malawi this month, are back playing for the Stars following last season’s eye catching performances.

Laura Malcolm returns to captain the side for a second season, along with strong mid-courter Sophie Carter, and fans’ favourite, Becky Oatley, also a student at the University of Worcester. England Under 21 player and University of Worcester student, Iona Darroch, also returns to the team.

New additions to the team include Samantha Cook, Rosie Allison, University of Gloucestershire student Ella Powell Davies, Laura Rudland and University of Gloucestershire student Shona O’Dwyer, who have all previously played for Team Bath.

Amanda Davis joins the side having previously played for Surrey Storm, and Dominique Ford-Gordon moves from Wasps where she was a training partner last season.

This adds to the international signings announced last week. Maryka Holtzhausen and Phumza Maweni play in their native South Africa; Holtzhausen for Free State Crinums and Maweni with Western Cape Stings. However, they are no strangers to the Superleague, both having played for Loughborough Lightning in 2015.

Nine out of the 15 players in the squad for the 2018 season were in the team that reached the semi-finals of the British Fast 5 All-Stars Championship in September, narrowly missing out on a spot in the final at the O2 Arena.

Severn Stars Head Coach, Sam Bird, said: “We are excited to see what the 15 players selected can do this season. We have competition for every place in the team and the work ethic of the squad is excellent. We also have a good mix of experienced England, ex England and current international players. Alongside them we are developing young players in line with our mission to make to the top four playoff spots, but also to nurture players for the future.”

For tickets for the upcoming fixtures visit www.severnstars.co.uk.