Wasps Netball’s Mel Mansfield believes her team are set for their biggest test so far when they face Saracens Mavericks.
Two-time champions Wasps have opened their Vitality Netball Superleague season with three successive victories – and are still yet to play at their home venue.
Wasps will take on Mavericks in their first game at Ricoh Arena this year on Monday 11 February (7pm centre-pass).
It will mark the first time that the iconic names of Wasps and Saracens have met away from the rugby pitch.
Saracens Rugby bought a 50 per cent stake in the Hertfordshire-based team earlier this year.
Wasps Netball Head Coach Mansfield says confidence is high in the squad following the impressive win last time out against Surrey Storm but they are aware of the major threat posed by Mavericks.
She said: “The players are feeling really good after the win against Storm, our error count was right down and we showed great character to come away winners in that fixture.
“What we’re seeing this year already is that you can’t afford to have an off-day in this league and the reality is that to beat Mavericks we have to be at our best.
“We might have won three games, but we know there is a lot to work on too. We need to tidy up our play and be more clinical in key situations.
“When we get an opportunity to press on, we need to take it.”
Mavericks have enjoyed a successful start to the season with their only loss coming on the opening day against undefeated Manchester Thunder.
Wasps are the only other team remaining with an unbeaten record in the Superleague.
A wealth of talent will be on court on Monday night, including seven England Roses, and Mansfield has been preparing her side to counteract the Mavericks stars.
“Mavericks have got four England players and have one of the strongest squads in the league,” said Mansfield.
“But we know we have a very strong squad too and we will be looking for match-ups that help us combat their strengths.
“It’s been a long time since we played at Ricoh Arena and we can’t wait to be back in front of our home fans. With so many top players on display across both teams it should be a fantastic showcase of netball.”
Tickets for Wasps Netball vs Saracens Mavericks on Monday 11 February are available from www.waspsnetball.co.uk/tickets.
Tickets are also now available for the Vitality Netball Superleague Big Easter Weekend!
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