Wasps secure dominant defensive win

Wasps limited Dragons to a record-low tally for goals scored in a Vitality Netball Superleague game this season.

Tamsin Greenway’s team are the only unbeaten team remaining in the Superleague and go into a month-long break top of the table.

“You can’t deny what we did out there tonight, it was a really impressive performance,” Greenway said.

“We had two quarters where they only scored five or six which is pretty impressive. You could see the combinations growing out there on the court.

“It was pleasing to be able to give the likes of Monique Thompson a chance to shine - it was a really solid performance from start to finish.

“We’re delighted to be going into the break with eight wins from eight. We’ll get a good week off and then start building up the training for Team Bath after the month break.”

Wasps Netball moved the ball quickly in the opening stages to unlock Dragons’ defence, who worked hard to stop passes reaching George Fisher.

Hannah Reid starred early on, highlighted by a flying interception, followed by a quick passing exchange to set-up a Fisher goal.

By the close of the first quarter, it was clear that the home team’s shooters had put aside their struggles from their last game, as Wasps pushed to an 18 goal lead.

Lucy Harris replaced Greenway to start the second quarter, the first action of the season for the 22-year-old.

Wasps continued to build their lead at a rapid pace, capitalising on defensive errors from the visitors.

Eleanor Roberts’ long range shooting proved to be the only real success for Dragons, who struggled to develop clear-cut opportunities against the stout Wasps defence – limiting Dragons to just 16 goals in the first half.

Goal attack Monique Thompson entered the court for her first senior Wasps’ appearance in the third quarter, as Greenway utilised her squad for the second half.

Thompson started her Wasps career in style with impressive shooting accuracy, but Dragons played with more intensity after half-time, slowing Wasps’ overall attack.

Next up it was Halimat Adio’s turn for her Wasps’ debut, the defender introduced for the final quarter – with the win all but secured for the home side.

Wasps’ defence continued to impress despite the wholesale changes, as the league-leaders continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 74-32 victory.

Wasps’ next home fixture sees them face Team Bath on Sunday, April 22 (3.00pm centre-pass).

Tickets for Wasps Netball vs Team Bath on April 22 are available from www.waspsnetball.co.uk/tickets.

Player of the match: Lucy Harris

Wasps starting seven: GK Sam May; GD Hannah Reid; WD Amy Flanagan; C Sophia Candappa; WA Tamsin Greenway; GA Rachel Dunn; GS George Fisher

Used Substitutes: Lucy Harris (C) Josie Huckle (GK) Monique Thompson (GA) Fran Williams (GD) Halimat Adio (GD)

Dragons starting seven: GK Kelly Morgan; GD Leila Thomas WD Nia Jones; C Kyra Jones; WA Bethan Dyke; GA Sarah Llewelyn; GS Cara-lea Moseley

Used substitutes: Moseley (GA) Roberts (GS) Bell (GS)