Severn Stars end season on a high with commanding win over Dragons

Sam Bird’s side dominated in another ruthless display as they secured their fifth successive victory at the University of Worcester Arena.

The victory sees Stars secure sixth spot in the Vitality Netball Superleague.

Stars had to be patient in a cagey opening quarter, but they eventually carved out a 10-5 lead midway through the opening 15 minutes.

A valiant Dragons side didn’t make it easy for the hosts though, with wing attack Kyra Jones dictating the play for much of the remaining five minutes, allowing goal shooter Georgia Rowe to help the visitors surge from behind to level the game 12-12.

Stars rallied though and soon regained control, as goal shooter Eleanor Cardwell’s commanding performance in the attacking third saw Stars regain the lead and finish the quarter 18-13 ahead.

Stars carried that momentum into the second quarter, dominating for the majority of it as their clever play in the attacking third helped provide Cardwell with the ammunition she needed to build a commanding 34-21 advantage for the hosts at the half-time interval.

Stars maintained their 13-goal advantage for much of the third quarter and continued to control the game.  They repeatedly carved through their opponents in the final third, with the creativity of wing attack Iona Darroch and goal attack Maryka Holtzhausen causing problems for the visitors, and Stars ended the third quarter 51-32 in front.

Sophie Carter came on at centre and Rosie Allison at goal shooter as Stars rang the changes in the final quarter.

But the hosts continued to have the upper hand, with their incisive play causing problems for the visitors, as Stars finished with a huge 65-42 victory.

“It was a fabulous performance from the squad,” said Stars’ Head Coach, Sam Bird.

“We’re getting used to winning by over 20 goals.  It’s a nice feeling.

“We wish we had a couple more fixtures to go because we’ve just got better and better since the Commonwealth Games break.  I’m fairly convinced we’d be up there challenging with the best.

“Overall, I think the way the players have come through, they’ve been very proud to represent the club, they’ve taken on board the ideas we’ve tried to put forward and it’s paying off.  We just have to try and carry this over to next year.”