Share Severn Stars fell to a 50-54 defeat against Saracens Mavericks in Round 17 at the University of Worcester Arena despite a late comeback. The visitors’ high intensity drew a five-goal lead at the end of the first quarter and despite an improved second quarter, Stars still remained behind at the break. A re-energised Stars returned for the third quarter reducing the deficit to two heading into the final 15 minutes but Camilla Buchanan’s side saw out the victory to take all three points and get revenge from their Season Opener defeat to Stars. An early intercept from Razia Quashie saw the away side create a marginal lead but a tip from Gabby Marshall provided Stars with the turnover as Grace Namana sunk a long ranger. To me, to you 💪 Fast hands between @GabsLMarshall and @grace_namana sees Stars work into the circle before Namana sinks the shot 🤌 Watch LIVE on @SkySports Youtube 📺#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/LKGjubIi2m — Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 13, 2023 A resolute defensive display from Mavericks forced Stars into patient build-up play before Namana converted yet another looping long shot. Substitute Jas Brown wasted no time in making her mark as she provided a crucial interception, sending her side away ahead of the buzzer which sounded with Mavericks 18-13 in the lead. An improved start to the second quarter from the hosts saw the attacking duo of Namana and Sigi Burger reduce the deficit following three consecutive goals. Mavericks did not let up as they continued to retain their lead but the defensive pressure from Jo Trip’s side forced the visitors into the extra passes before Sarah MacPhail produced a vital intercept. Back-to-back goals from Stars saw the deficit reduce to just one but Quashie was there again to cut out the attack before sending her side away to increase their lead. She's back 😍@R_Quashie_ turns the ball over for @SaracensMavs with some superb work 💪 Watch LIVE on @SkySports Youtube 📺#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/fMSVTQsXn5 — Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 13, 2023 Brown again produced another crucial interception after leaping higher than the attack, but the tip fell in favour of Mavericks as they netted their 30th ahead of the buzzer. Severn Stars started the second half with an early turnover from Marshall as she picked up the loose ball before Jess Shaw provided the feed into the arms of Namana, who converted once again. Buchanan’s side again increased their lead after a fast transition down the court following a Stars unforced error to lead by six. But, Stars were down by just two heading into the final quarter after MacPhail produced another vital turnover, providing Burger with an easy chance to close the gap. Mighty McPhail 💪@SarahMacphail steals the ball back for @SevernStars as the hosts look to fight their way back 💫 Watch LIVE on @SkySports Youtube 📺#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/mEDdnpkNe3 — Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 13, 2023 Both sides came out firing with just 15 minutes remaining, but it was Mavericks who continued to take their chances as they created a five-goal lead early on despite the high defensive pressure from Trip and Brown. Mavericks soon netted their 50th after Kira Rothwell used the post to realign herself before slotting it in. The away side demonstrated their clinical ability after creating a 10-goal lead, but Burger was quick to reduce it with just four minutes to go. A late burst from Stars saw them cut the deficit after Brown produced yet another crucial interception with Burger converting but an alert Mavericks side held them off to secure all three points. Report supplied by Severn Stars. Follow the Netball Super League on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Keep up with all the latest news by signing up to the NSL newsletter here. Share Tags: Severn Stars Saracens Mavericks