Severn Stars head coach Sam Bird says they want to 'shake things up' in final Superleague matches
Thursday 7 November 2019 13:24, UK
Severn Stars want to "shake things up” in their last two Vitality Netball Superleague matches against Saracens Mavericks and Wasps, says head coach Sam Bird.
Off the back of a tightly contested Round 16 victory against Surrey Storm, Bird says she is keen for her side to "show the improvements" they have made throughout the season.
Despite losing to Team Bath on day one of the Big Easter Weekend, Stars have enjoyed a series of wins including a stunning Round 14 triumph over then-table leaders, Manchester Thunder. Right now, Stars sit in sixth place in the Vitality Superleague standings.
Crucial to their win against table rivals Storm, was a well-timed substitution in the second quarter. The introduction of Jodi-Ann Ward at GD meant that, with Sam Cook at GK, the defensive duo were able to neutralise Storm's stellar shooter, Sigi Burger and create interceptions that ultimately won Stars the match.
Cook, who took home the Vitality player of the match award for her outstanding performance, praised her side's resilience.
"We knew that we had to put that same grit that we played in the Manchester game and yesterday's game against Bath, into this game," said the defender to Sky Sports.
"I think that's what saw us over the edge, with some strong defensive stuff and pressure all the way through until the 60th minute."
In the highly anticipated match-up against Burger, Cook recognised the challenge that the South African presented.
"She's physically very strong so it is very hard," noted the 26-year-old after the match.
"It's just about making sure I keep moving my feet, keep confusing the space and make sure I just contest on everything even if I get pulled up for a few contacts now and again."
Cook, with Ward by her side, was able to disrupt the Storm shooting circle and even poach Burger's shots on several occasions. Proud coach Bird beamed, "between them they're a whole heap of trouble in the circle."
For sixth-placed Stars, Cook has enjoyed a stand out season, catching the eyes of many and taking home various player of the match awards.
On the court at the Ricoh Arena, the defender discussed the prospect of a potential England call-up ahead of the Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 in Liverpool.
"At this stage in my life I'm enjoying my netball, I'm enjoying the Superleague and I've enjoyed playing the last couple of seasons," reflected Cook.
"I don't think England's for everyone. I'm not ruling it out completely, don't get me wrong, but right now I'm happy."
Stars' head coach Bird was supportive of her player's decision to focus on the Superleague above England selection.
"I think Sammy is of England standard but she's at a place in her life where she's been involved in the England squad," said Bird.
"At the moment she just wants to live her life a bit, and it's a big commitment to be in the England programme. I know that the England selectors are interested in Sam but it is important just to be honest and transparent about where you are."
Now looking ahead to their next clash with Saracens Mavericks, and Wasps Netball thereafter, head coach Bird insisted that Stars are up for the challenge.
"For us we are looking to win both of those games. We are not afraid to contest with Mavs and we have Wasps as our final game. We want to shake things up and really show that we're a strong club."
Severn Stars will meet Saracens Mavericks for their Round 17 clash, live on Sky Sports. It promises to be a big contest, with Mavs still vying for a top-four spot and Stars are looking to secure a place in the British Fast5 Netball All-Stars Championship.
The Vitality Superleague continues on Sky Sports on Saturday, April 27, when Saracens Mavericks take on Severn Stars from 3.45pm on Sky Sports Mix with just two rounds of the season to go before the Play-Offs on Saturday, May 11.
