Stars edge out Sirens in thriller

Stars were quick out of the blocks and forced errors early, while Bethan Goodwin was a solid target for Sirens under the post, holding strong and sinking shots from range.

The combination of Bethany Dix and Abi Robson was dangerous in the Sirens attacking end, working the ball around the circle and showing great patience and creativity with their accurate feeds.

As the first quarter concluded, Sirens went up by one thanks to a long range shot by Niamh McCall on the buzzer, making it 14-13.

During the second quarter, the match-up between Sirens goalkeeper Towera Vinkhumbo and Stars goal shooter Sigi Burger was proving to be one to watch, with the visitors finding their rhythm to go in front by four.

Sirens were quick to hit back, with McCall sinking shots from all over the shooting circle.

Vinkhumbo brought Sirens back into the game with a huge intercept and soon the scores were level again.

Claire Maxwell denied Stars with the chance to score another, but the visitors went into the halftime break up by three (28-25).

So much LOVE to all our travelling fans, friends and family who made the trip up to Scotland today from near and far (even🇿🇦) 💙🌟🧡

We are so grateful & couldn’t do what we do without all of your support 🌟🫶#weareSTARS pic.twitter.com/t9RVAHkckf

— Severn Stars NSL (@SevernStars) April 14, 2023

The second half kicked off with Kelly Boyle in at wing attack, Maxwell to centre and Robson to wing defence.

McCall continued her fine display to help Sirens build scoreboard pressure and when Emma Barrie was introduced to the court at goal shooter, her strong hold was an asset in the attacking third as she made herself easily available for the Sirens feeders.

With the scores level again, captain Emily Nicholl came up with an intercept which allowed Sirens to take the lead heading into the last quarter.

The last quarter started off goal-for-goal until an intercept from Vinkhumbo saw Sirens up by one.

Dix came back on at wing attack but Stars worked hard to hit back and the scores were level again until a miscommunication in the Sirens attacking end allowed Stars to go up by two.

With a few minutes remaining, Sirens tried to sustain their defensive pressure by bringing Abigail Tyrrell in at goalkeeper but Stars managed to edge out in front and ended three ahead.

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Report provided by Strathclyde Sirens