Saracens Mavericks vs Team Bath - 22 May 2023 - NSL Rd18

HEAD COACH’S WELCOME

CAMILLA BUCHANAN

WELL, HERE WE ARE. IT’S CRAZY TO THINK THAT THIS IS THE FINAL HOME MATCH OF WHAT HAS BEEN A NON-STOP SEASON.

It feels like only yesterday that I was sitting down to preview the start of the 2023 season, and what a rollercoaster it has been!

There have been plenty of ups and plenty of downs, but we are in a much stronger place as a squad for all of it.

Today at HSV is about celebrating our successes across the season and thanking you for your amazing support. Home and away, the encouragement you have given the squad is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. We are so grateful for all of you.

I also wanted to take this moment to thank our amazing volunteers personally. They are the ones that make our matchdays run smoothly every week and I’m sure you will join me in passing on your gratitude to them.

Last weekend was a huge step for us in securing victory over Severn Stars and I’m thrilled with how the group adapted on court.

Today though, is also about celebrating the career of our captain, Sasha Corbin. From playing with Sasha, to now coaching her, I’ve been fortunate enough to call her a friend for many years.

Sasha has given so much to Mavericks and so much to the game and it simply won’t be the same without her here at Mavericks.

We are desperate to win today as a group, but to also give Sasha the send-off she deserves, as a true legend and icon of the sport.

Enjoy the game.

THE FINAL HOME MATCH OF THE SEASON IS UPON US. AT HSV, WE’RE READY TO SAY GOODBYE TO A CLUB LEGEND AND LOOK AHEAD TO THE FUTURE.

This afternoon, we say goodbye to our captain Sasha Corbin, after she announced her retirement from the game at the end of the season. This has been Sasha’s tenth season captaining the side that she has been such an integral part of for the majority of her career.

In terms of matters on the court, Mavericks will be looking to try and secure a fifth place finish in the league. Last weekend’s victory over Severn Stars moved Camilla Buchanan’s side level on points with the Worcester based squad.

For Team Bath, this season has been one of development, with a young squad that has begun to make its mark as the year has gone on. They were unlucky not to secure a win against champions, Manchester Thunder, last weekend and will be keen to pick up a result today, following a narrow defeat to Leeds Rhinos on Saturday. The two-day turnaround could prove to be a defining factor in this match though. It’s all to play for at HSV.

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YEAR LIKE NO OTHER AT HSV

HOME

IS WHERE THE HERTS IS

IT’S BEEN ANOTHER THRILLING SEASON AT HSV, AND YOUR SUPPORT HAS MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE!

It’s quite incredible to think about how much growth there has been this season, both on and off the court at HSV.

From being the first NSL side to play against the England Thorns, to three consecutive sellout fixtures, there have been so many amazing moments throughout the campaign.

Having lost the first game of the season against Severn Stars, it was only right that a first league win of the campaign should come at home in front of our amazing fans.

The victory against Leeds Rhinos was a huge early marker for the group and the development from that point to where we find ourselves today has been massive. With a new coach and several new faces, this was always going to be a year of development.

Our all-new fan zone has proven to be a huge hit and our Mavericks squad have loved seeing the smiles on faces before our fixtures.

Our amazing groups have also been a huge part of the atmosphere at HSV this season. They’ve cheered, screamed and done everything in their power to support our Mavericks.

Earlier this month, HSV hosted our Pride themed fixture against Loughborough, where a huge amount was raised for Stonewall. As ever, this wouldn’t have been possible without your support.

Only 94 days have passed since that first fixture against Rhinos, but it’s fair to say that a lot has happened since. Bring on the 2024 season. We’re already counting down the days.

Securing fifth would be huge for us going into next year.

THE BIG INTERVIEW

Saracens Mavericks head into today’s final home fixture of the season in a buoyant mood, following a crucial victory over Severn Stars last weekend.

With three matches to go, Camilla Buchanan’s side are firmly in the hunt for a top half finish and Centre Lisa Mather believes that the victory showed just how far her side have come.

“The win on Saturday showed so much development and progression. It was such a key game for us, and it gave us a chance to reflect on where we’ve come from since the start of the season. We’ve come so far with our processes and combinations. It was such a hard-fought win, and we want to try and finish the season as strong as we can.”

Bath away marked a turning point in the season for Mavericks, as they secured a first away win of the campaign.

“It’s so tough. There have been lots of standout moments but Bath away stands out as a match that it all came together. There was so much unity and grit that went into that game in order to get the win, especially in the last quarter. It’s a moment that stands out.”

“It was a crucial point in the season, where we came together and got the processes right. To then get that win against Bath really helped turn the season around.”

Mather has been a firm fan favourite this season at HSV and she paid tribute to the support of the fans and volunteers at home fixtures.

“I’m so sad that it’s our last home game. I love playing at home and I know that all of the girls do too. Having that bond with our volunteers and our fans is so important to us and we have the best home crowds. It will definitely be a special one and we hope that we put on a great show.”

Mavericks have fifth place firmly in their sights and Mather believes that securing that finishing position would be a huge confidence boost for her side.

“Top four isn’t there for us this season and those sides have really set the standard. Securing fifth would be huge for us going into next year. It would show that we’re not too far away from those top teams and hopefully allow us to build into another season where we can really push to break that top four barrier.”

TODAY’S OPPONENTS

TEAM BATH NETBALL

IT’S BEEN A TRICKY SEASON FOR TEAM BATH, BUT THIS YOUNG SQUAD LOOK LIKE THEY ARE FINDING THEIR GROOVE.

Team Bath are the most successful side in NSL history, having won the league title five times. However, it was ten years ago that they were last crowned champions.

Last season, they recorded a fourth place finish, losing out to Manchester Thunder in the semi-finals.

This season though, they are locked in a battle with Leeds Rhinos for eighth in the league.

In Imogen Allison, they have a precocious young talent who has earned her seat on the plane to South Africa for the Netball World Cup.

Whilst this season may have been a tough one for Bath, they will be hungrier than ever to put down a marker for next season.

NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE LEAGUE TABLE

ROUND EIGHTEEN RESULTS

MANCHESTER THUNDER 74-51 SEVERN STARS

CELTIC DRAGONS 53-71 LONDON PULSE

SURREY STORM 46-64 LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING

LEEDS RHINOS 59-55 TEAM BATH

I might not be on the court moving forward, but I’ll definitely still be their biggest fan.

FEATURE INTERVIEW

When you think of Saracens Mavericks, the first image that pops into your head is that of Sasha Corbin.

For so many years, she has been synonymous with the side she made her debut for in 2005. But now, after a glittering eighteen year career, it’s finally time to hang up the dress.

“I don’t want this to be a sad day, just a celebration of a career I could have only dreamed of,” Corbin smiled.

”Sometimes I have to pinch myself because I remember being the youngest in the Netball Super League in 2005. I’ve had the privilege of playing netball at the highest level internationally and domestically in the UK & New Zealand. Honestly the journey has been amazing!”

Corbin’s career has seen her make in the region of 250 appearances in the NSL, as well as captaining Saracens Mavericks for ten seasons.

This season has been one of change for Mavs, but Corbin, and the consistency of her performances, has been one thing that has not changed.

Corbin admitted that it would be tough to hang up the dress one final time, but she explained that it felt like the right moment to call time on her incredible career.

“I don’t know why but I always wanted to play netball up until I turned 35. I know that’s not easy as a mid court player but it’s always been a goal of mine. I feel incredibly lucky to have reached this milestone. I feel fit, healthy and I’m enjoying my netball, but the timing feels absolutely perfect for me to hang up my netball dress and trainers. I’m so excited for the next chapter.”

Corbin’s illustrious career has seen her represent her country at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and ply her trade in both the NSL and the ANZ Premiership in New Zealand.

For Maverick #6, today will be a day filled with emotion. It will no doubt be the same for the Mavericks fans, players and staff too, as they prepare to say goodbye to a club legend and one of the greats of the game. What Corbin has achieved is beyond anything that she could have ever expected, but it is the love from the fans that will surely mean the most.

“I still can’t believe that this will be my last home match I ever play for Saracens Mavericks. It’s hard to imagine how it will feel but I know it will be an emotional one.”

The love and outpouring of gratitude for what Corbin has done for the game has been immense since Friday’s announcement and, for former teammate and now Head Coach Camilla Buchanan, she feels that it has been an honour to have known Corbin.

“For as long as I’ve known Sasha, netball has been her driving force. For us at Mavericks and for the sport, it’s a sad time to be saying goodbye to someone who has been the face of the game for as long as I can remember. Playing alongside each other, to now having the privilege of coaching Sasha; it has been an absolute honour. She’s been a fantastic leader and her amazing energy is always able to lift the group. She is an incredible human on and off the court and I wish her all the best.”

The thoughts of Buchanan have been echoed by Saracens Group CEO Lucy Wray too, who praised Corbin’s infectious attitude.

“Where do you start summing up the career of Sasha Corbin! What an electric player to watch but also an electric personality. The beaming smile and infectious positive energy that she exudes. It has been an unbelievable pleasure to get to know her and watch her play over the past few seasons since Saracens got involved with the Mavericks team. I know Sasha has an incredible bond with the club that goes back many years.”

Ever the professional, Corbin still has her eyes firmly fixed on the final three matches of the season, as Mavericks look to try and secure a fifth-place finish. She is though, also excited to see what the future looks like for the club.

“We still have three games left to try and finish our season strongly. Whilst I know my career is coming to an end I’m still very focused on performing well in these games alongside my team. This team has been building and growing each game and I’m excited for Saracens’ future.”

As for what is next for Corbin, that is completely up to her. The world really is her oyster and knowing her as a person, one would suspect that whatever she turns her hand to, she will thrive in.

One of those roles will no doubt be chief cheerleader for her club on the side line.

Corbin laughed and paused, as she made the point that she will always keep a keen eye on how her soon to be former club are doing.

“I’m Saracens Mavericks through and through. I might not be on the court moving forward, but I’ll definitely still be their biggest fan.”

SARACENS MAVERICKS PATHWAY NEWS

WE’RE CONCLUDING OUR PATHWAY ROUNDUPS WITH OUR FANTASTIC U17S AND U19S.

The leagues for our U17s this season were split into north and south.

Saracens Mavericks London Pulse, Team Bath, Severn Stars and Surrey Storm all formed the southern league.

The side beat Seven Stars and Surrey Storm and narrowly lost to the league winners Pulse by one goal. Overall the squad finished third having been on the same points as Bath who came second.

The team have been led by Head Coach, Katy Costin, with Assistant Coach - Liam Ferns and Team Manager Jennine Loader, who have been fantastic with the whole group.

Many of the team were in the U15 School Games squad in 2022 and have made the step up into Under 17 Academy netball.

Congratulations as well to Cara Conway-Baker and Kiera Straker who represented Republic of Ireland at Netball Europe U17 Championships in

standout victories against North East Phoenix and Surrey Storm.

This was a challenging season for the side, captained by Lucy Kay, but they are looking forward to the NPL tournament where they will be aiming to fulfil their potential.

We’re grateful to Performance Herts for supporting our athletes with their strength and conditioning programme too.

SARACENS MAVERICKS COMMUNITY CORNER

The wonderful Monique Meyer is also hosting a Player Masterclass on 30th May, which you can now sign up for. Book now to avoid losing your place!

Monique has been one of our standout players this season and this is an amazing chance to learn all about defence from one of the very best in the Netball Super League.

Places are limited, so sign up now to avoid missing out.

Our camps are continuing to be incredibly popular.

We have several dates available at the end of May and beginning of June in Bedford, Bishop’s Stortford and Hatfield.

Book your place today to avoid missing out.

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Our Alpha Camps are back! It’s your chance to learn what it takes to # BeAMaverick.

Our Learn to Train programme is on sale soon, so keep an eye out on our channels for the sign-up link.

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A VIEW FROM THE STANDS

WE’VE LOVED YOUR SUPPORT AT HSV IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR RECENT MATCHES.

Sirens.

Our fans and our groups that have attended HSV this season have been integral to making the matchdays at home as loud and as noisy as they can be!

ACCOMPLISHED MAVS PUT IN A STAR SHOWING

SARACENS MAVERICKS KEPT UP THEIR HOPES OF A FIFTH-PLACE FINISH, WITH A HUGE WIN ON THE ROAD AGAINST SEVERN STARS.

These two sides met in the opening round of the season, with the Stars securing victory. This time though, it was Saracens who took the bragging rights.

Last weekend, Camilla Buchanan’s side showed their steeliness in defence to take victory against Strathclyde Sirens and there was an element of the same in Worcester, as Razia Quashie and Monique Meyer hit all the right notes on Eurovision evening.

Up top, their work was being rewarded by the sharp shooting of Britney Clarke and Kira Rothwell, with Clarke again looking to the manner born in the Goal Shooter bib. Halfway through the first quarter, Mavs looked irresistible, as Clarke took her side into a fivegoal lead, before Stars hit back.

In recent weeks, this blip would have left Mavericks slightly off-kilter, but there was none of that this time, as more slick passing allowed them to find that five-goal advantage again.

Mavs have been aiming to try and put in a full sixty-minute performance all season, but they were under the pump early doors in the second quarter, as Stars pulled the gap back to two.

With Mavs looking like they needed a hero, Quashie stepped up, with two huge interceptions to keep Stars at bay.

As Beth Ecuyer-Dale continued to keep things running smoothly through the centre of the court, Mavs edged back to a four-goal lead, with the game firmly in their hands.

Again though, Stars refused to drop away, as they pulled it back to a solitary goal deficit. Sasha Corbin continued to keep things running smoothly, but Stars again kept themselves in the hunt, to reduce the gap to two heading into the final quarter.

Any lingering doubts or panic in the Mavs ranks were quickly swept aside though, as Clarke motored into action in the shooting circle to extend the lead to seven.

Monique Meyer at the other end was proving a perfect foil to Quashie too, as they kept Stars at bay and allowed Clarke and Rothwell to extend the lead out to nine. There was even time for a cheeky off the post feed from Rothwell too, as she added to her tally on the

Stars would make it a nervy last few minutes though, as they began to rattle off the goals, to pull the gap back to four.

It’s never an easy ride watching Mavs and Head Coach Camilla Buchanan will be disappointed with the drop-off from her side in the final few minutes.

Mavericks though, had more than enough in the tank, as they held on and controlled the final few phases, to secure a huge victory on the road and atone for their loss to Stars on the opening day.

With today’s match at Bath being the last at home of the season, there is a genuine belief that Mavericks can secure a top five finish and

YOUR MESSAGES OF THANKS FOR SASHA CORBIN

Amazing person, player and role model. Gutted but wishing you every happiness and more success in your new ventures.

You are an inspiration to my daughter. She loves to follow you. Wishing you all the best in your next steps.

There are no words other than “Thank you for the memories.

I have loved the flair, skill and inspiration you bring.

A true Mavericks legend who has given her all. Will miss watching you on the court, good luck with life part two.

Hornets Juniors will definitely miss you on the court… you’ve been a great role model for them all!

Hard to overstate the impact you've had on netball in England, your energy on court and your genuineness off it.

You’re the heart of our club and an absolute role model to the younger players.

Fantastic player and an even nicer person. Congratulations on inspiring a generation.

A wonderful ambassador for Mavs and netball altogether.

Such an inspiration and has definitely left a mark in the game and club.

enthusiasm and positivity has made her such a popular player with the fans, her peers and support staff during the 18 years she has played in the league.

For a brief time, Sasha moved away to university, but it was not long before she returned to Mavericks. Sasha is the person who so many people value; her loyalty is 100% and I never took this for granted whilst I was coaching because clubs have to earn this from their players. Sasha has given Mavericks 100% of herself and she is someone who gives everyone her time, her kindness and her guidance.

Many thanks Sasha for all you have done for Mavericks and enjoy the next chapter in your career - you were, you are and always will be a Maverick!