Saracens Mavericks make it four in a row with Severn Stars win

Severn Stars hosted Saracens Mavericks on Sunday, February 20 in their first home game of the season and were able to welcome back fans for the first time in 23 months.

The Mavericks led 18-10 in the first quarter after some clinical shooting from the league’s top scorer Ine-Mari Venter.

The gap began to increase between the two sides heading into half time as the Mavericks took a 35-21 lead into the break.

Both teams continued to battle but it was the Stars who fell to defeat after the Mavericks held off any pressure to claim a 62-52 victory.

Speaking after the game, Stars’ captain Liana Leota believed her side fought back but 'it was too little too late'.

"If we could have had that momentum in the first half it would have set us in a good space, there’s lots of learning," she said.

The Mavericks stated their claim instantly with a break of the Stars’ centre pass after Beth Ecuyer-Dale picked up the loose ball, allowing Venter to open the scoring.

As Mavericks began to create rhythm, Stars’ goal defender Dee Bolokaro provided a crucial interception in the goal third to prevent Venter scoring her third.

The high pressure from the Mavericks continued as a double interception from Jodie Gibson prevented Isabelle Eaton with the shooting opportunity.

However, seconds later Eaton’s opportunity arose after she held off goalkeeper Razia Quashie to receive the quick pass from Bethan Dyke and scored her shot.

Stars began to grow into the game as Bolakoro was quick to intercept and turn the play over once again after cutting out Corbin’s chest pass.

A strong end to the first quarter from the Mavericks saw them take a 18-10 lead and provided Melissa Bessell’s side with work to do heading into the second quarter.

Bessell looked to freshen things up in the second quarter with a double substitution which saw Michelle Drayne and Katie Harris replace Dyke and Reed.

Stars began to gain momentum as Leota played a looping pass over to Bolakoro who was there to tip the ball into the hands of Harris.

The quick play between the Mavs’ attacking players saw the side score two in quick succession, bringing their lead to 9 goals.

Stars captain Leota demonstrated her professionalism with a jumping pass into the hands of Harris who was there to sink her shot.

The Mavs’ shooter Venter proved to be too much for the Stars defence as she drew an 11-goal lead for her side after a quick counterattack in the centre third.

Bessell looked to inject fresher legs into the game with a substitute that saw Summer Artman make way for Lucy Herdman.

Minutes later Bessell once again made a substitute, bringing Reed back on for youngster Eaton.

A quick counterattack from Ecuyer-Dale was soon to be cut out by substitute Herdman after she tipped the ball over the head of top scorer, Venter.

The clinical ability from Venter put her side ahead at half time as the Mavericks led 35-21.

The intensity increased for the Stars as Bessell’s side began to feed the ball into the attacking duo at a quicker pace and looked to reduce the deficit.

A clever spin from Reed in the attacking third disorientated the defender and left the Stars’ shooter in space to shoot her shot.

Venter continued her fine form after using her height and strength to prevent Bolakoro and Herdman from intercepting the Mavs’ 43^rd goal.

A stronger quarter from Bessell’s Stars but it was the Mavericks who continued to lead with a score of 52-35 heading into the final quarter.

Stars continued with their intensity as Herdman intercepted the Mavs’ pass and created a counterattack in which Reed capitalised on and scored her shot.

The Mavericks looked to increase their lead through star player Venter after Corbin looped a high ball over to the shooter, but it was Bolakoro who came away with the ball after claiming the rebound.

An unforced error from the Mavs enabled Reed to pick up and offload the ball to Leota who began the counterattack and found Reed again who scored.

Leota looked to counterattack after a great interception, but Gibson was there to nullify the attack and turn over the play once again.

A late attempt of a comeback was on for the Stars as they decreased the deficit to eight goals, but the calmness of Venter and momentum of the Mavericks reduced all chance.

Despite a brighter second half, Stars were defeated by Mavericks as they maintained their 100% unbeaten record this season, winning 62-52.

Gilbert Player of the Match: Ine-Mari Venter (Saracens Mavericks).

Match report provided by Severn Stars.

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