We did not turn up Head coach unhappy with team
HEAD coach Melissa Bessell said her Severn Stars side “did not turn up” as they lost 63-36 to Leeds Rhinos in the Vitality Netball Superleague.
“For us it’s about making sure we understand why we lost that game,” she said.
“We did not turn up today. They know they can do better than that and I know they can too.”
Stars were unable to halt a Rhinos side on the charge with the top four in their sights, as they took control of the game early on and extended their lead in every quarter.
Rhinos shooter Donnell Wallam started the gamewell as they opened up a 4-0 lead.
Their attacking line up of Rhinos was lightning quick and as soon as Stars had a centre pass the pressure was intense, resulting in turnover ball and Rhinos extending their lead.
Stars found themselves needing to go backwards on their centre passes, but this patience and possession worked to bring the score back to 9-4.
But an attacking contact, offside and held ball all went against Stars and although Iman Thomas came on at goal defence and Malysha Kelly at goal keeper to try and halt the flow, Rhinos led 18-8 after the first quarter.
Newly-named England Roses Rhea Dixon and Brie Grierson worked together effectively for Rhinos in the second quarter and linked well with shooter Wallam.
Stars’ Kyra Jones, at centre, made an athletic interception, converted by Jane Taylor, on to replace goal attack Paige Reed, who went down with an ankle injury.
But more errors on Stars centre passes continued to be punished by Rhinos, who led 34-18 at the interval.
A brighter start to the second half for Stars saw Taylor score at range.
Lucy Herdman re-entered the game at goal keeper and was able to gain a rebound and an intercept but Rhinos continued to control the midcourt, mixing it up between short ball side passes between players and the long ball into Wallam at the post.
Captain Liana Leota linked well with Taylor at goal attack, who distracted the Rhinos defenders to provide Georgia Rowe with space under the post and the third quarter brought Stars more into the game, but the team was behind 47-29.
In the final quarter Stars defenders continued to win turnover ball, but errors still plagued their game. There was a multitude of changes throughout the last 12 minutes, but it could not prevent Rhinos taking a 63-36 victory.
Stars must now look to bounce back after a short season interval, with a double header weekend against Team Bath on May 28, and Manchester Thunder on May 29.