Netball Super League | Stars looking to convert more interceptions into goals

Severn Stars’ Head Coach, Sam Bird, is hoping her team can take advantage of defensive interceptions to score more goals in this weekend’s game against Strathclyde Sirens.

Stars face the long journey up to Scotland for Friday night’s match (February 22, first centre pass 7pm), at the Emirates Arena, in Glasgow, as they chase a first away victory of the campaign.

Following a loss against Surrey Storm last weekend, Bird said she wanted to see her team make the most of possession once they have gained it.

“We are looking for a first away win and we understand what is required to perform well there,” said Bird. “Our connections are developing and we are looking to be more clinical with the ball we win from the opposition to turn that into goals.

“We performed well against Sirens in our pre-season and we know it is in our hands to play a little bit smarter and when we win ball score off it and reward our defenders.”

Bird admitted that she had been “disappointed for the players, staff and fans” by how the previous match against Storm at the weekend had played out. Although Stars were competitive throughout, they were defeated 46-55 at home after missing multiple opportunities to reduce the growing deficit during the game.

But Bird said it had been a good week in training and the players were keen to get out on the court.

“The spirits are high in the camp and we are looking forward to the challenge,” said Bird. “We have been working on playing through Sirens’ zonal marking and we have again been developing our attacking through court play. Our centre pass to goal statistics have improved game on game and this is an essential area for us to keep improving.”

Stars is a franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire and the team’s next home game is against Saracens Mavericks, at the University of Worcester Arena, on March 4 (7pm). You can buy tickets here.

Photo credit: Andrew Taylor