Wasps Netball were again successful in their match against Strathclyde Sirens at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, on Saturday 2nd March. Fans piled into the Ericsson Indoor Arena to watch the team secure a 61-34 win, giving Mel Mansfield’s team a third successive home win.
The Wasps opened up the first quarter nicely, taking a quick lead over the Sirens. Consistent shooting from GS Rachel Dunn and Sirens shooter Bethan Goodwin resulted in a goal-for-goal start in the opening minutes. However the Wasps still managed to gain a 7-goal lead by the end due to the power and support from mid-court players Jade Clarke and Bongi Msomi.
The second quarter saw many turnovers, with the Wasps capitalising on errors made by the Sirens, as they pulled into a double-figure lead over the Sirens. The Sirens took longer to work the ball into the shooters, as the Wasps’ circle defensive duo kept the attackers out of the post. The Wasps were comfortably ahead at half time with a score of 31-14.
Mansfield made some changes to the Wasps’ team in the second half of the match having had built a firm lead over the Sirens. UoB’s Fran Williams went on as GD, and there was a change to the Wasps attacking trio as Sophia Candappa came on as WA and Tamsin Moala as GA. The Sirens came out strongly, however the Wasps continued to play outstandingly: Moala created space in the circle for Dunn and defensive duo Amy Flanagan (player of the match) and Fran Williams put immense pressure on the Sirens in their attacking third.
Going into the final quarter, the Wasps looked set to secure a win. Msomi played a patient yet calculated last quarter at Centre. Interceptions from the defence and impressive feeds into the circle meant that Wasps managed to increase their lead, with a final score of 61-34. Head coach Mansfield was pleased with the Wasps’ performance. They knew they needed to up their game ahead of big clashes with Manchester Thunder (6th March) and Severn Stars (10th March) in their next home fixtures and after this game, their prospects look promising.
