Tuesday 8 March 2016 01:04, UK
Hertfordshire Mavericks took top spot in the Vitality Netball Superleague after defeating Celtic Dragons 67-45 on Monday night.
Dragons, who were eyeing a third win on the bounce after claiming a 20 point win over Yorkshire Jets at the weekend, were unable to cause an upset at Hatfield and remain in sixth position.
Player of the match Joline Johannson told Sky Sports: "They were a team that had a couple of wins recently so they were definitely on a high.
"We're really luck we have decent talent. I hope [we win the title]. I haven't come all the way from New Zealand even though this beautiful Hertfordshire weather is lovely and the community is great, it would be worthwhile if we come away with the big W, but I'm happy if we go out on the court the results will come."
Dragons did, however, start well by creating a defensive wall in order to keep their opponents as high up the court as possible and attempting to nullify the Mavs attacks.
After falling 15-13 down at the end of the opening quarter Trish Wilcox's side upped the tempo in the next, but the home side responded well thanks to the ever-reliable Sammy Wallace.
They stretched their advantage by 10 points to lead 29-19 with a professional performance, but the visitors showed some fire in their bellies to sneak back into the game ahead of the final quarter with a 44-32 deficit.
But the impressive Mavs upped the tempo to stretch their advantage and finish with a flourish to move top of the standings.
"We've got to be more ruthless and clinical in our performances," said Mavs coach Sam Bird. "That said I was pleased to get some of our England youngsters on.
"What I see at training is a really constructive group who really want to work hard and they want to get better, they're not complacent, they all talk to each other in a really positive way even when they're being critical and they really, really want to keep improving as a group."
We're back in Newcastle next Monday where Team Northumbria will be taking on defending Superleague champions Surrey Storm on Sky Sports 2 HD at 7.30pm.
