Tuesday 21 February 2017 22:08, UK
Wasps won the battle of the new Vitality Superleague franchises as they beat Sirens 57-43 at Glasgow's Emirates Arena.
A sell-out crowd provided a fantastic atmosphere but the hosts were left to rue a disappointing second quarter run that allowed the visitors to come away with an opening-week victory.
Sirens led after the opening quarter but a crucial 15-4 run for Wasps to end the second 15 minutes ensured a gap that they were able to maintain despite a brave effort from the home side, who were never able to get closer than seven goals.
Both franchises were making their debuts in this year's competition and there was enough from both to suggest they will be in the shake-up for the top four places and the play-offs at the end of the season.
As new franchises with new-look squads, both teams had flashes of brilliance but the familiarity of Wasps' former Surrey Storm connections just gave them the edge when it came to combinations and speed through the court.
However, Sirens' all-star shooting pair of Ellen Halpenny and Carla Borrego were impressive under the posts and once Gail Parata's team start to build a rapport elsewhere on the court they will cause plenty of problems.
It was Tamsin Greenway's Wasps who enjoyed the better start, 18-year-old George Fisher helping them to an early 9-5 advantage before Sirens showed their intent.
Borrego and Halpenny sent the home fans into raptures as they chipped away at the lead before going in front at 10-9 following a five-goal run - an advantage they maintained going into the second quarter.
Having seen the teams trade early goals, the game's defining period came when Wasps ran away with the final 10 minutes of the half to take a 13-goal lead into half-time.
Both teams made changes in the second half and it was the Sirens who looked the more settled as they managed to claw back the difference, winning the quarter third 13-10.
But despite the efforts of the crowd as well as the Sirens players, Wasps stayed strong under pressure with the experience of Rachel Dunn under the post.
Sirens closed to within eight goals on a couple of occasions but each time Wasps found the quality to work the ball to Dunn, who made no mistake, and with Sirens looking to force the game it was the visitors who finished stronger to pull away to a 57-43 win.
Next up for both teams is Saturday's Super 10 round in Birmingham where all 10 teams meet in five back-to-back games at Birmingham's Genting Arena.
Sirens face Celtic Dragons and Wasps look to maintain their perfect start against Team Northumbria in one of three games you can see live on Sky Sports Mix.
You can follow all the Vitality Superleague action on Sky Sports Mix through the season and across our Sky Sports platforms. Follow us @SkyNetball
