Saracens Mavericks vs Surrey Storm - 22 April 2023 - NSL Rd13

LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING

HEAD COACH’S WELCOME CAMILLA BUCHANAN

I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ALL OF YOU TO HSV THIS AFTERNOON FOR OUR HUGE CLASH WITH SURREY STORM.

I think we’ve all only just recovered from the drama of last weekend’s match against Leeds Rhinos!

It was a tight and edgy match throughout and, whilst I feel that there was room for improvement in some aspects of our performance, I was really pleased with the heart and fight shown by the group to work their way back into the match.

I said after the match that we need to trust in what we’ve got and believe that we have enough in the locker and I really mean that.

We’ve talked about this season being a new journey and now, having moved into the second half of the season, we’re. really looking to kick on and continue our development as a side.

We’re thrilled to be back at HSV this afternoon and I’m so happy that we’ve sold out for the third match in a row.

The support that the players receive from the Mavericks fanbase is something truly special and we are incredibly grateful for it every single week. It really makes a difference when the players run out on court and that wall of noise is something that always makes it feel special.

I wanted to congratulate Kira Rothwell as well, on making her 50th NSL appearance against Rhinos last weekend. Kira has shone since joining us this season and, as a young player, she is just going to keep getting better.

Enjoy the game

SCENE SETTER

WE’RE ALL SET FOR ANOTHER CRACKER AT HSV, IN FRONT OF A SELL-OUT CROWD FOR THE THIRD MATCH IN A ROW.

Saracens Mavericks will be determined to rediscover that winning feeling at home, having lost their last two fixtures at HSV to Manchester Thunder and London Pulse.

For Surrey Storm, this is the first of two matches this weekend, before they welcome Leeds Rhinos to Surrey Sports Park on Monday evening.

A victory for Mavs would mark the first time this season that someone outside of the current top four has secured victory over Storm and Saracens will be buoyed by their last-gasp victory over a resolute Leeds Rhinos side last weekend.

Storm come into this one off the back of a defeat to reigning champions Manchester Thunder last weekend and they will be determined to rediscover that winning feeling as they look to maintain their top four charge.

It’s a local derby, with all to play for and we can’t wait to get underway.

SARACENS MAVERICKS PATHWAY NEWS

Last night, our U23s side made the trip to Severn Stars to take on Stars Development ahead of the NSL match.

In an incredibly entertaining match, Mel was named as Player of the Match by Stars, whilst also being named as the Coaches Player of the Match, whilst Charlie was named as Player’s Player of the Match, as the pair put in two impressive performances, both in attack and in winning ball in defence.

We will soon ben providing more information about our upcoming pathway trials.

Further information on dates, times and venues will be provided on the Saracens website and on Saracens Mavericks social media pages in the coming weeks.

Make sure to keep an eye out and sign up.

Make sure to keep an eye on saracens.com over the coming weeks, as we feature each of our pathway sides and take a look at how their respective season’s have gone.

The Mavericks pathway is such a vital part of the Saracens Mavericks family, with a large number of players progressing into the NSL, but we couldn’t do it without the amazing coaches.

We are determined to do better and be the first team outside the top four to topple this Storm team.

THE BIG INTERVIEW

It was by no means an easy ride in Leeds last time out, as Mavericks had to claw their way back into the match. One of the standout performers in that match was Aliyah Zaranyika, who the Wing Defence explaining that the result was a significant one for her side.

“The Leeds result was crucial. It was really important not only in terms of keeping pace with the teams around us in the table but also for us to grind out a result against a tough side and take some smaller wins away from the game. We have a few tough games coming up and it’s important that we don’t head into those on a losing streak.”

There’s nothing quite like playing in front of a home crowd and Zaranyika couldn’t help but smile at the prospect of playing in front of a packed-out crowd again.

“Honestly, we’re buzzing! The prospect of playing in front of a sold-out crowd for a local derby is so exciting. Having the crowd behind us means more than I could ever express. It’s always special when you have the crowd on your side, cheering us through the game and we’re grateful for every person who comes to watch our games.”

Zaranyika has been on fire this season, with a number of barnstorming performances. However, she admitted that she is still seeking improvements in her game.

“To be very honest, I still want more from myself. I am grateful for every opportunity to take the court and play with such an incredible defensive unit, especially now that Raz is back - I have learnt so much from playing alongside her and Jodie.”

She was quick to highlight her gratitude for the accolades she has already received this season. However, she explained that she will only be happy once she is able to help translate positive performances into wins.

“I will always give everything I can to help the team and I really am very appreciative of some of the recognition I’ve been getting but I will only be fully satisfied when I can help translate the performances into points on the board.”

The last meeting against Storm was one that ebbed and flowed, as Mavericks put up a brave fight, before ultimately falling short. If they are to secure a result today, there is no doubt that Zaranyika will be at the heart of it all.

TODAY’S OPPONENTS SURREY STORM

SURREY STORM LOOK TO BE IN CONTENTION FOR THE TITLE THIS SEASON, AFTER AN IMPRESSIVE YEAR SO FAR.

Having won back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016, Storm appear to be back in the hunt this year.

Storm haven’t reached the play-offs since that title in 2016, but they look well placed to do so this season.

Proscovia Peace is the second highest scorer in the league this season, with Sophie DrakefordLewis also in the top eight shooters, so the Mavericks defensive players will have to be on their guard throughout this one.

This season is one that really feels like a step forward for Storm, where that leaves them come the end of the season is firmly in their hands.

NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE LEAGUE TABLE

ROUND THIRTEEN FIXTURES

TEAM BATH 56-53 CELTIC DRAGONS

SEVERN STARS 50-56 LONDON PULSE

LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING VS STRATHCLYDE SIRENS

SURREY STORM VS LEEDS RHINOS

PLAYER PROFILES 2022/23

MAVS LEAVE IT LATE TO EDGE RHINOS

WELL, YOU CAN’T SAY THAT IT ISN’T EDGE OF YOUR SEAT STUFF WATCHING MAVERICKS!

After a week without any match action, Mavs were looking for a fast start, but their preparation was somewhat hampered by a late change to the starting 7, that saw Britney Clarke come in for Ine-Mari Venter at Goal Shooter.

It’s fair to say that the first quarter was a cagey one, as both sides looked to get a feel for the game. Whilst Rhinos edged their way into a slender lead, Clarke and Kira Rothwell hauled their side back into contention, with Sasha Corbin pulling the strings to allow Clarke to put her side into the lead.

Whilst the Mavericks shooters were having to work hard for every inch out on court, it was the defensive duo of Jodie Gibson and Razia Quashie who were keeping their side ahead.

Quashie looked like she had never been away on just her second appearance back on court after recovering from an ACL injury.

With Venter fit enough to return to the court for the start of the second quarter, Mavericks looked fare more comfortable in transition, as they picked apart the Rhinos defence with some sublime play, to take a commanding seven goal lead midway through the quarter.

Things then seemed to come a little unstuck for Mavericks, as they struggled to get the ball moving through the court.

Whilst Mavericks had dominated the opening period of the second quarter, now it was Rhinos’ turn to give Camilla Buchanan’s side a taste of their own medicine.

With five minutes of the quarter left to go, it was the home side who hit the front.

Despite the best efforts of Gibson and Aliyah Zaranyika, Rhinos were flexing their muscles, both figuratively and literally, as they muscled their way through the Mavericks mid-court, allowing their attacking players to add a flurry of goals.

Mavericks needed a goal and quickly. They found it too through Venter, to make sure that they trailed by just the solitary goal heading into the final quarter.

With Quashie returning to the court, Mavericks begin to claw their way back into things. Her presence at the back allowed Gibson and Zaranyika to do what they do best in defence, as Mavs stayed in the fight.

After Venter had edged her side back into the lead, Beth Ecuyer-Dale got herself in on the act in her first start of the season, with a beautiful sweeping pass into the South African to extend the advantage.

With two minutes left and with Mavericks having secured themselves a four-goal cushion, the victory looked to be assured. But there would still be a final twist in the tale, as Rhinos scored three quickfire goals, to leave Mavericks having to play a possession game to see out the final few seconds and secure the victory.

This was by no means pretty, or a flowing affair at the First Direct Arena. However, securing just a second away victory of the season was a perfect response to defeat at home against London Pulse.

SARACENS MAVERICKS COMMUNITY CORNER

Make sure to join our NSL coaches, Camilla Buchanan and Becky Trippick for our final CPD session on May 18th , as they provide insight into a Mavericks training session. Book now for just £25 and learn more about our programme.

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!

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.

Why not sign up for one of our fantastic festivals in May?

On 1st May, we are hosting a club festival for U11 and U13s, ahead of the Mavericks vs Loughborough NSL match.

On 22nd May, we are hosting a schools festival for years 5 and 6 ahead of the match against Team Bath,