»Stars win opening game at new arena,
SEVERN Stars celebrated their first game at the new University of Gloucestershire Arena with a convincing 57-40 Vitality Netball Superleague win over the Celtic Dragons
In front of a sell-out crowd, Stars captain, Maryka Holtzhausen, returned from international duty with South Africa to inspire the team to a memorable victory over Celtic Dragons.
The international break seemed to have rejuvenated the Stars, as Holtzhausen’s experience and game control immediately shone through and her combination with Iona Darroch, at wing attack, was scintillating at times.
Meanwhile Jamaican international and player of the match Jodi-ann Ward turned over ball after ball in the first five minutes, stunting the Dragons attack.
Ward formed a formidable partnership at the back with Sam Cook, and together they continually rebuffed the Dragons’ attack.
Stars led 11-8 after the first quarter and the second continued in much the same fashion, as Welsh shooter Georgia Rowe slotted away goal after goal.
Another player in her first season at Stars, Lucy Harris’ constant work rate and defensive commitment at centre made it difficult for Dragons to gain any momentum and Stars went in at half time having extended their lead to 28-21.
After the break, Stars continued to pile the pressure on as defensive trio Cook, Ward and Ella Powell-davies, on her first start in the VNSL, made it tough for the experienced international attack of Dragons and Stars extended their lead once again to finish 43-32 at end of the third quarter.
Head coach Sam Bird made use of her bench with appearances for England A internationals Halimat Adio and Paige Reed, as well as a brief cameo for Welsh international Cara Lea Moseley against her former club.
Goal shooter Rowe felt the crowd played their part in the victory. She said: “The crowd was awesome, the atmosphere was really good and I think that is what kept us going.
“We just kept building and building. A really good performance.”
Head coach Bird added: “I am really pleased with the performance. The Gloucester crowd was great.
“Maryka coming back has given the group a lot of confidence and lifted the level of every player. We were solid in every position throughout the court and we have some great depth on the bench now too.”
Stars travel to Team Bath Netball on Friday before returning for their next home game against Manchester Thunder at the University of Worcester Arena.