VNSL 2022 - Saracens Mavericks v Wasps

mon 4th apr | 17:30 | UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX

coach’s comment

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RATNofAPAL KATHRYN& Directo r Netball Head Coach

Welcome everyone to University of Essex, it's great to be here and have another home match day in front of our home fans.

As always, these are the day that we all train for and despite missing our game against Bath last week, the squad have been working hard in Hertfordshire to ensure we are all building for better performances.

We would like to officially like to welcome Temalisi Fakahokotau

to our Saracens Mavericks squad, Tem joins us as a replacement player and has flown over from NZ, being Silver Ferns #158. Tem has already had a really positive impact into our

squad in training and we are looking forward to her developing her partnership with the defensive unit.

Today's match up against Wasps is sure to be an exciting one, with talent across all areas of the court, there will be some exceptional match ups. Following the second half of the season, we are looking to build on all areas to continue to close the gap between the top of the league.

Looking forward to hearing our #Mavericksfamily in the crowd #togetherSaracens

Kat

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new signing

SILVER FERNS INTERNATIONAL JOINS SARACENS MAVERICKS Temalisi Fakahokotau has been named as Saracens Mavericks replacement defensive player for 2022 season.

Silver Ferns International #158 joins the two times VNSL Champions after taking some time out of ANZ, but the opportunity to come over the UK to play the game was one she didn’t want to miss out on.

Head Coach Ratnapala said “Following the change up in our defensive end, we needed to find a suitable replacement and cover.

Having previously spoken to Temalisi, the timing had never been quite right to come over to play in England. This time, the timings suited and both parties are looking forward to getting her back onto court again.”

With an impressive standing jump, dominant presence in the defensive circle and athletic ability, standing at 1.82m, the tenacious Fakahokotau is a naturally talented defender with the ability to cover all three defensive positions.

Temalisi said “I’m very blessed and grateful to be given this

Rhiannon Shore

opportunity. I look forward to joining the Mavs family, putting on some new colours and playing alongside a great bunch of girls.”

In 2018 she was Team Player of the Year for Tactix and led the ANZ Premiership in all defensive areas, since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, she has made a steady return to the game with ANZ in 2020 with Tactix.

Being one of nine siblings, she comes from a large family, and we are so excited to extend the welcome by bringing her into the Saracens Mavericks family this season.

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match reporT

Written by Erica Rosa Tapp

saracens mavericks 51 - 53 Leeds rhinos

With missing players and misjudged passes Mavericks miss out to Leeds Rhinos in the ongoing battle for a top 4 finish

Rhinos charged into this ninthround contest to assert a 53-51 win over a Mavericks side who have failed to bank points in 3 of their last 4 matches. The home side struggled to find consistency and rhythm. An electric final quarter brought the game level but it was Tracey Robinson’s team who left with victory and Ratnapala’s side who left with regret.

Head Coach, Kat Ratnapala, reflected on what went wrong for the Mavericks: ‘We can’t start and finish quarters as we’re doing at the moment. The concentration for us at the moment is letting us down. So, disappointing.

I’m really proud of the resilience the girls showed and their fight to get back in the game. Which we’re doing – we’re competing – we just can’t continue that momentum. Back to the drawing board.’

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Rhiannon Shore

Her closing remarks give Mavericks fans hope and concern

in equal measure: ‘I don’t know what it is but we’ll find out what’s going on and we’ll be addressing it, definitely.’

Saracens Mavericks have almost a full week to regroup before heading to Bath to take on another key team in the tussle for top four.

A rivalry may be just beginning to develop between Rhinos and Mavericks. Last season the new franchise snatched the top 4 spot out of Mavericks’ hands then

saturday 19th march 2022

hertfordshire sports village

today ground out a win by, ‘keeping our structures, keeping calm and just making sure we had the movement going’ (Robinson, Head Coach of Leeds Rhinos)

It became apparent why both of these teams have been struggling to find consistency recently as both outfits looked a little unsettled in the opening quarter, throwing away the ball too often. The crowd were treated to impressive shooting pairs at both ends of the court, including players willing and able to shoot from range. However, the Black and Reds didn’t play their best netball and Leeds finished the quarter 10 – 14.

There were flashes of brilliance in the second quarter: K.Corbin’s rebounding and laser passes, Essam’s movement and shooting rate and Zaranyika’s pass back into court. However, Rhinos found a way back in and went into the break leading 22- 25. With twice as many turnovers as Mavericks, Rhinos were showing a determination to hang onto their lead and see the game through.

Britney Clarke came on for Chloe Essam early in the third and made an immediate impact.

However, Rhinos also showcased the depth of their squad as they brought on Rebekah Airey as GK and Brie Grierson in GA. The game was becoming increasingly physical and Brie Grierson’s quick feet and hands saw her awarded Gilbert Player of the Match.

Leeds finished the third with a 5point buffer. 33 – 38.

Mavericks exploded into the final 15 with a blockbuster passing sequence that lifted the crowd and restored belief. Quashie shone for the Mavericks, not least with a physicality that squashied Rushton into the post!* Momentum shifted and the home crowd roared as their side clawed back to level with just 3 minutes left to play. However, Maverick’s intensity came too late and Leeds’ steady, careful play bumps them up the table where they’re now level on points with Mavericks.

Mavericks will head west to Team Bath Arena next Friday for the opening game of round 10.

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U21 match reporT

Written by Pippa Dixon

saracens mavericks 62 - 60 Leeds rhinos In today’s game each individual that took to the court stepped up tremendously. We were missing a few of our players but that did not phase us.

Starting 7: Libby Burgess (GS), Pippa Dixon (GA), Kelsey Bashford (WA), Ellie Oswick (C), Sophia Pawlaczek (WD), Amy Howell (GD), Sam Harding (GK)

There were some new combinations out on court which gelled so nicely. At some points we did get a bit stuck in the attacking third but we had our amazing defence on the third line for back up which opened up the

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court. It was a tough battle between the two teams where each quarter there was only a few goals in it. As a squad we dug deep and continued to fight harder, push ahead and not let our heads drop. Not to mention the loud and energetic spectators that really helped us stay motivated.

Leeds did an incredible job making things difficult for us with their quick attack and strong defence, but we managed to stay calm and play our own trusted Mavs game.

We had minor changes in Q3 with Sophia moving to C and Naomi

coming in at GD. These two had an amazing impact which changed the dynamic of the game with their quickness throughout the court. We finished that quarter 44-46.

We knew now that we had to give it our all as we were just 1 turn over away from us leading the game. In Q4 we had Sophia back at WD Amy moved to GK Tayla to C and Ellie to WA. These changes helped us dominate the final quarter with the fluid through court and tight on defence. The final change with a few minutes to go was Kelsey coming back on at WA and Ellie moving to C. We kept our composure and worked the ball around in the shooting circle until Libby and Pippa we comfortable to shoot and ended the game 62-60.

There were a lot of positives from this game which we have all taken but there are also a few work ons to help improve our overall performance. As captain today I am so proud of each and every individual for giving it their all and can’t wait for our next game against Wasps.

Coaches’ player of the match

kelsey bashford

sophia pawlaczek

Opposition’s player of the match

Pippa Dixon

Players’ player of the match

amy howell

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U19 match reporT

Written by Josie Groves

SARACENS MAVERICKS 56 - 49 leeds rhinos After watching the U17s pull through to victory in a very exciting game of netball, we were pumped and ready to get going.

We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game and we would have to play well as a team to be able to defeat a strong Leeds Rhinos team. As the music began blasting, we started our warmup.

A quick start saw us fire out the blocks to a 4-1 lead thanks to some slick play and long bombs from our shooting duo Ti and Daisy. But Rhinos kept firing back

and after a few mistakes by Mavericks, they came back within one. A quick change with a

couple of minutes left on the clock saw Jo enter at GD. The remainder of the quarter went goal for goal with Mavericks holding the lead by one going into the break- 14-13.

A slight change made at quarter time with Onyinye coming on at WD and Josie moving to C. Again, Mavs struggled to find their rhythm, but we weren’t giving up!

The defence continued to apply pressure as the attack kept searching for a way through to goal but the score line remained tight as it went to 22-20. A few more changes were made towards the end of the quarter, meaning Zoe was back on at

Annette Allanson

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centre and Phoebe took to court at WA. The end of the first half finished very evenly but Mavs were slightly ahead having extended their lead to 2 goals25-23.

Again, at the half time break more changes were made with Mavericks still searching for the combination that would take this game on and ensure we got the win. After an inspiring and positive team talk, the 7 to start the second half were GK- Tori, Jo, Onyinye, Zoe, Phoebe, Daisy, Maddy.

Much like the start of the game, Mavs came out firing. Great pressure and turnovers from the defence trio Tori, Jo and Onyinye created many turnovers which were beautifully converted thanks to some magical movements from Maddy in at GS and Daisy at GA- helped by the great patience shown by Zoe and Phoebe.

Alyssa then came back on at GD and had an instant impact causing a held ball due to her immense arms over! Josie also came back on at WD as Tori and Alyssa switched bibs in defence.

We continued to apply pressure and by the end of the quarter we were 6 up- 43-37.

No changes made at quarter break as we looked to maintain our lead through the final quarter.

Mavericks were solid through the final quarter with the defensive pressure stepping up a level with Alyssa finishing it off at the back getting turnover after turnover.

Daisy getting in on the turnover action taking a lovely interception through court! Final changes saw Makeda make her Mavericks debut and meaning all 12 had taken to court. We won the final quarter by 1 goal, with the final score amounting to 56-49.

Thank you to the coaches and to the officials and the parents for making the match what it was and a special thank you to Eden and Caitlin who made it along to support!!

Coaches’ player of the match

Tori

Opposition’s player of the match

daisy

Players’ player of the match

maddy

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U17 match reporT

Written by Molly Morrissey

SARACENS MAVERICKS 44 - 42 surrey storm Saracens Mavericks U17s came out strong in the first quarter, taking an early lead, with defence turning over some great ball and centre court working hard and combining with our shooters to convert. Finishing the first quarter leading 16-11.

Going into the second quarter Surrey storm came back strongly, starting to close the gap. This prompted some fresh legs to enter the court bringing energy and control with Brooke entering the game at C and Farah at WA. The team was still determined and working hard but a few too many unforced errors led to us being 2 down at half time, with the score being 25-23.

To start the third quarter Phoenix came on at WD, with May rejoining the game at C midway through the quarter. This quarter was extremely competitive and well contested with both teams going almost goal for goal, we were able to close the gap to one, with the score being 33-32 to storm.

Entering the fourth and final quarter the squad was pumped and started strongly, with Melissa back on at WD, Molly back to GS

and Charlotte being introduced at GA bringing great composure and creating a new dynamic in attack. The defensive unit again were causing countless turnovers with mid court having great patience and working the ball to the shooters who were scoring some great goals. With the added support, noise and cheers from our coaches, bench, and supporters we were able to push all the way to the final whistle and take the win 44-42 !

We’re looking forward to getting back to training to keep improving and working hard; hoping to bring this positivity and form into our next match.

Thank you to our coaches and all the Mavericks family for their continued support and belief!

Coaches’ player of the match

rhianna luke

Opposition’s player of the match

rhianna luke

Players’ player of the match

rhianna luke

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