Severn Stars’ Head Coach, Sam Bird says her team will be looking to push Vitality Netball Superleague leaders Wasps Netball all the way in the West Midlands Derby.
Stars take on their Coventry-based neighbours Wasps, who have already booked their place in the semi-finals, at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday (May 4, 6pm centre pass).
Bird said her players have been training hard and she was expecting both teams to go all out to win.
Bird said: “Wasps have qualified in the top four but will be keen to keep winning as they move into the playoffs, but equally we want to end our season on a high. We played very well against Wasps on the last run out and we hope to push them all the way. It is a West Midlands derby which adds a little extra edge to the fixture. We have historically played well against Wasps and aim to do so again on Saturday.”
The teams have already faced each other earlier in the season, at the Ricoh Arena in March, where Wasps came out on top, but Stars produced a strong performance to push the reigning champions close. Bird, at the time, said she was pleased with the way her side performed, but felt they could have won the game.
And since then Stars have shown good form, with five wins, including against second placed Manchester Thunder, and other encouraging results, including losing by just one goal against fourth placed Loughborough Lightning. Their recent form has seen them take four wins in the last six games. The team, which is a joint franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire, will be aiming on Saturday to maintain their sixth place position in the table.
Bird added that it was particularly great for the players to be finishing the season with a game at home.
“It’s a final chance for this season for our home fans to see us play at the University of Worcester Arena and we want to provide another good performance for them. The fans have been great this season and we appreciate their support.”
For tickets for the game visit www.ticketline.co.uk/netball-superleague-severn-stars#bio
Photo from Clivejonespr.com
