SEVERN Stars head coach Sam Bird has called for her side to be more confident after they fell to a 62-49 defeat in a bruising encounter against the Manchester Thunder.
Stars started the game at the University of Worcester Arena brightly and took an early lead in a controlled display through the first two quarters.
But in a frustrating third quarter, a dominant performance from Thunder took the game away from Stars, creating a lead which the team was unable to recover from.
“We started well and competed well; it was a close first quarter. We are looking for the girls to be more confident in delivering the ball through the mid-court,” said Bird.
“There were some nice connections, but Thunder are a strong team. They started to ask us questions and we lost confidence in delivering the ball. We were able to respond and win the final quarter, so there are positives we can take from the game.”
Stars started the first quarter strong, with defensive duo Sam Cook and Jodi-Ann Ward preventing two early Thunder goals. Stars’ goal shooter, Georgia Rowe, took advantage at the other end giving the home side an early 2-0 lead.
Despite a strong defensive performance, a string of mistakes allowed Thunder back into the game. Former Stars player, Eleanor Cardwell, levelled the scores midway through the quarter, making it 7-7. However, Stars’ goal attack,
Maryka Holtzhausen, ensured they finished the quarter only one goal behind Thunder, at 13-12 to the away side.
Stars regained the lead briefly after a flying start to the second quarter, following two quick fire goals from Rowe.
However, multiple defensive turnovers from Thunder’s defenders, Emma Dovey and Amy Carter, allowed them to regain control of the game.
A flying intercept from wing defence Ella Powell-Davies allowed Stars the opportunity to level the scores before Holtzhausen gave Stars a 21-20 lead.
Thunder responded with changes in attack, with Joyce Mvula on at goal shooter, and they sprinted to a 21-27 lead. Stars responded by bringing on Halimat Adio at goal keeper, but, despite a brighter end to the quarter, found themselves behind 29-22 at the half-time interval.
Thunder inflicted major damage in the third quarter and stormed to a 50-33 goal lead.
Stars were revitalised after Lucy Harris re-entered the court at centre and scored three quick fire goals as they tried to mount a final quarter comeback.
Harris and Holtzhausen continued to link up well as Stars controlled the final quarter, with Holtzhausen finding Rowe in the circle with a beautiful pass to make the score 41-53. Stars continued to battle but, despite a strong last quarter, the goal deficit inflicted in the third quarter was all too much to recover from and Thunder took the victory 62-49.
Stars face Surrey Storm at the University of Gloucester Arena on Saturday (February 16) before a return to the University of Worcester Arena to play Saracens Mavericks on March 4.