benecosMavericks hammer Team Northumbria in netball Vitality Superleague
Mavericks make it four out of five wins to keep pace with the leading pack
Wednesday 7 March 2018 17:04, UK
Team Northumbria remain winless in the Vitality Superleague after they were overwhelmed 71-53 by benecosMavericks in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Monday night.
The visitors' team bus broke down on their way to the Sport Central arena, but the Mavs players were unfazed, and gave Northumbria plenty to think about after a tight first quarter to lead 16-15.
There was nothing to separate the sides at half-time as they went in level at 32-32 in the ensuing back and forth encounter.
Tamsin Moala was taken off for the home side in the third quarter with Lisa Bowman taking her place and head coach TeAroha Keenan was made to pay for her decision.
Mavs duo Sasha Corbin and Gabby Marshall stepped up a gear, and it wasn't long before they opened up a comfortable 53-42 advantage.
Goal Shooter Karyn Bailey showed great athleticism and was unflappable in front of the net, helping Mavericks to complete the victory.
"We stuck to what we know," said Marshall. "I think we're a quality side, but when we get disconnected it can be difficult to find our flow.
"I've never experienced a journey where I've had two flat tyres, both my mum's car and the coach, but I'll take it if it means I get player of the match."
Mavs head coach Kat Ratnapala said: "The second half is what we're about, but I can't question the want and desire of the girls. They're in a good place at the moment so we've just to keep on building."
Northumbria starting XII: GK Hayley Mulheron GD Paige Kindred WD Toni Anderson WA Ashleigh Neil C Francine Hall GA Tamsin Moala GS Chiara Semple.
Mavs starting XII: GK Summer Artman GD Lindsay Keable WD Zara Everitt WA Sasha Corbin C Gabby Marshall GA Alice Travis GS Karyn Bailey.
Also on Monday night, Loughborough Lightning avoided a third straight defeat as they defeated Surrey Storm 53-51 in a close encounter.
On Saturday, defending champions Wasps Netball continued their undefeated start to the season as they recorded a 60-49 away win at Lightning in a repeat of last year's Grand Final to make it five wins out of five.
Wasps' head coach Tamsin Greenway praised her team's ability to respond under pressure.
"I thought in advance that this was going to be the one that challenged us and it was," Greenway said.
"At this point of the season, you take it game by game and we're not looking too far ahead. It's all about us at the moment, how we're playing and the improvements we need to make."
Vitality Superleague is back on your screens on Friday night when Team Bath host Manchester Thunder, with live coverage on Sky Sports Mix, which you can find on channel 287, and is free for all Sky customers, from 7.15pm.
Wasps' next home fixture sees them face Team Northumbria, while benecosMavericks are at home to UWS Sirens on Saturday.
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
