benecos Mavericks crush Team Bath in Vitality netball Superleague at Copper Box
Mavericks enjoy seventh win of season and remain on course for Final Four spot at midway point in season
Friday 4 May 2018 10:50, UK
benecos Mavericks enjoyed the surroundings of London's Copper Box as they crushed Team Bath 57-41 to move up to second spot in the Vitality Superleague.
Two-time former Superleague champions Mavs opened up a six-goal lead after the opening quarter and some ruthless shooting allowed them to extend their advantage by 14 to a 32-18 lead by half-time.
Bath struggled to keep possession and turnover ball, while Mavericks kept the scoreboard ticking over thanks to Karyn Bailey solid under the posts.
The 31-year-old Australian was proving a physical obstacle as Bath's defence were unable to keep her at bay.
Kat Ratnapala's side extended their advantage to 46-30 by the end of the third quarter with England star Sasha Corbin taking control of the centre of the court, with her sister Kadeen Corbin unable to make headway at the opposite end.
Player-of-the-match Bailey told Sky Sports: "We knew coming into this game we had to put our foot down in every single quarter and the shooters really had to step up their game with accuracy, so I'm really pleased with the win."
"Karyn was quiet in the Loughborough match last week and I think that cost us dearly. She definitely picked up today," said Ratnapala. "The season is not over. There is so much more we have to do against the top sides."
Mavericks will go into their next match at Surrey Storm on Saturday having notched up another victory.
Defeat for Bath means they remain in fifth place on 15 points, but still in the hunt for a Final Four spot behind Manchester Thunder and Loughborough Lightning. They will look to return to winning ways against Celtic Dragons at home on Friday before taking on Severn Stars next Monday.
Bath coach Anna Stembridge said: "We're bitterly disappointed. We're going to have a long hard look at ourselves tonight - all of us - players and staff."
The Vitality Superleague continues on Monday, May 7 with our live coverage of the clash between Team Bath and Severn Stars. Coverage gets underway from 4.45pm on Sky Sports Action & Sky Sports Mix, which you can find on channel 121, and is free for all Sky customers.
Follow the 2018 Superleague season with us on Sky Sports and through our website skysports.com/Netball with news, previews, reports and expert analysis throughout the season. And also our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkyNetball - #BelieveTheHype
