Saracens Mavericks vs Loughborough Lightning - 1 May 2023 - NSL Rd15

LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING

HEAD COACH’S WELCOME

CAMILLA BUCHANAN

WELCOME TO HSV FOR OUR 2023 PRIDE FIXTURE AGAINST LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING. IT’S SET TO BE A THRILLER.

Welcome back to HSV for this afternoon’s fixture.

This weekend is Pride weekend across the Netball Super League and we are marking the occasion this afternoon here at Mavericks.

It’s been another busy weekend of action for the side, following Friday night’s game in Cardiff against Celtic Dragons and today is a chance to put down a marker against one the top four sides in the league.

Looking across the season so far, there have been moments against the top four sides where we have really believed that we have been capable of securing a scalp, only for the match to end up going against us. We are determined to change that record this afternoon.

The match against Loughborough earlier in the season was an intense affair and today will hopefully show just how far we have come as a group since that match.

It only seems like yesterday that the season got underway, but there has been so much that has happened in such a short period of time. We’re pleased with the improvements that we’ve made as a squad, but we know that we need to continue to improve and impose ourselves on matches to keep looking up the table.

Matches like this one are so important for the group in terms of development and I know that the players can’t wait to be back out on court in front of a home crowd.

Enjoy the game

SCENE SETTER

WE’RE RAPIDLY CLOSING IN ON THE END OF WHAT HAS BEEN A SEASON FULL OF LEARNING FOR SARACENS MAVERICKS.

Today’s match will be a huge litmus test of just how far the side have come in recent weeks, against a Loughborough side that are determined to go one further this season and secure the league title they last won in 2021.

Mavericks gave Loughborough a scare earlier in the season, but Victoria Burgess’ side have been as impressive as ever this season at both ends of the court.

For Mavericks, Friday night’s victory over Celtic Dragons was a much-needed one, as Camilla Buchanan’s side began to display some of the characteristics they have been challenging themselves to find in training.

Loughborough know that they will need to be on their guard this afternoon and, after a huge win against Manchester Thunder on Saturday, they will be determined to keep up this momentum heading into the final few rounds of the regular season. It’s all to play for at HSV and it’s set to be a great match.

PRIDE ROUND 2023

WHAT’S IN STORE AT HSV

WELCOME TO HSV FOR OUR 2023 PRIDE FIXTURE AGAINST LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING. IT’S SET TO BE A THRILLER.

We’re delighted to be holding a raffle this afternoon, with all proceeds going to Stonewall, the league-wide charity partner for this weekend’s Pride Round fixtures.

There are some amazing prizes in store, including tickets to our last home match of the season against Team Bath and a signed Mavericks dress. It’s only £1 per ticket at HSV and you really don’t want to miss out!

As well as pride flags in and around the venue, we also have pride-themed face painting and an array of additional activities in the fan zone ahead of the match.

Further on in today’s matchday programme, we also have a special feature interview with Loughborough Lightning’s Nat Panagarry, who has helped champion this themed round.

With every club taking part and marking the round in their own way, this weekend is all about starting conversations and dialogue in a safe space, as we look to educate and increase visibility in the world of sport.

It was a surreal moment to be back out on court.

THE BIG INTERVIEW

As injury comebacks go, the last few weeks couldn’t have gone much better for Razia Quashie.

After nearly a year out with a serious injury, Quashie returned to action at HSV earlier this month and, just a few games into her comeback, it’s like she’s never been away.

“It was a surreal moment to be back out on court, especially when that return match is a home game. It has been a long 11 months but stepping back out on court with the Goal Keeper bib on the front of my dress made it all worth it,” she smiled.

Rehab is one of the most challenging things for any athlete and Quashie admitted that there had been some dark periods where she considered her future in the sport.

“The rehab period is never easy, especially when you’ve had back to back injuries. Over the past two years I’ve experienced some of my highest highs and my lowest lows. For the last 11 months I’ve lived in the gym or in the physio room, making sure that everything was right. I’ve contemplated walking away from the sport but I’m happy I didn’t and I stuck through the hardships.

It has been hard watching on from the sideline for Quashie, but the Goal Keeper admitted that her transition back into the squad had been incredibly smooth thanks to the support she has received from her teammates.

“It’s been seamless coming back into the group, probably because I never really left. The girls are some of my biggest supporters on and off court. I would do my rehab session, along side the technical session. The girls would always cheer me on and I would do the same. And I NEVER missed a social!”

Quashie made her comeback against London

Pulse and the England Rose admitted that the experience was an overwhelming one, thanking the fans for the support they have given her.

“Honestly if I was the emotional type, I would have let a few tears out for my first game back. Nothing can beat hearing your name being called out and running on to court to the cheers of fans. They have been my biggest supporters. All the messages I received when I was at my lowest were amazing and meant everything to me.”

Now eager to make up for lost time, Quashie is well and truly back, and she means business.

TODAY’S OPPONENTS LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING

LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING ARE DETERMINED TO GO ONE BETTER THIS SEASON AND TAKE THE NSL LEAGUE CROWN.

One of the most consistent sides in the league, Loughborough look set to be playing their part in the season-ending play-offs again this year.

In Fran Williams, they have a player with the most intercepts in the league, whilst Mary Cholhok has already surpassed 500 goals for the season.

Having been one of the founding members of the NSL back in 2005, Loughborough secured their first league title in 2021, defeating Team Bath in the final.

Last season, they narrowly lost out to Manchester Thunder and Victoria Burgess’ side will be more determined than ever to go that one step further again this season.

NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE LEAGUE TABLE

ROUND FOURTEEN RESULTS

CELTIC DRAGONS 54-59 SARACENS MAVERICKS

LEEDS RHINOS 49-45 STRATHCLYDE SIRENS

LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING 65-57 MANCHESTER THUNDER SURREY STORM 50-59

Everyone always says that netball is a family, but I don’t think we realised how much it really is.

FEATURE INTERVIEW

It’s been a year like no other for Nat Panagarry and her wife Katie.

Despite being a leader on and off the court for Loughborough and the England Roses, nothing quite prepared her for the shock of finding out about Katie’s cancer diagnosis last October.

“Katie had been in and out of the doctors since April, but nothing quite prepared us for the phone call,” Panagarry explained.

“It was a real shock; you don’t expect to hear that when someone is 34. We never thought that we would hear that word.”

Katie had been diagnosed with cancer, which had spread from her womb to her bowel and, with Nat away on international duty at the time, it was a hard conversation to have. However, the support that she and Katie received proved to be invaluable.

“Katie started surgery within two weeks and went on to have six rounds of chemotherapy. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but the support from the NHS, friends, family and the netball community has been more than we could have ever imagined.”

Katie didn’t end up needing to receive radiotherapy treatment, such was the success of the chemotherapy and, three weeks ago, she was given the news that she is currently cancer-free.

“I’m just in awe of her,” beamed Panagarry. “Her body has been incredible and she is doing so well.”

Panagarry praised the NHS and the nurses who helped Katie throughout, as well as thanking the netball community for the support that she and her wife received.

“Neither of us had ever really had much to do with the NHS, but the nurses on the ward were amazing. They are the ones that see you at your best and your worst. With the fact that Katie could only see visitors for four hours a day, they became like her best friends.”

“For myself and Katie’s family too, the Maggie Centre was next door to St. James Hospital and it was such a great support system for us. It was an amazing safe space where we could all talk and be together that we never knew existed. I can’t thank them enough for all that they did for us.”

Katie’s diagnosis came as a shock and Panagarry admitted that she went slightly ‘radio-silent,’ after they were told the news.

“I’m always on Instagram, but I just sort of switched off when we found out the news. But, I had people messaging me asking if I was okay and once the news broke, the amount of love and support we received was incredible. People were messaging Katie with support and tips having gone through the same thing and I can’t thank England Netball and Loughborough enough for the support they gave us.”

Panagarry was understandably unsure about returning to the court this season, but she paid tribute to her coach Vic Burgess for the support she had given her.

“I honestly wasn’t sure that I could handle the balance this season, but I can’t thank Vic enough for the support she has given us. She and the England staff have been constantly checking in and have completely understood that this is a journey for us both. This year, with everything that has happened, I’ve realised that netball is one of the most important things in my life, but it isn’t the most important thing. I think that’s helped me enjoy it more and I genuinely think that I’m playing some of my best netball at the moment.”

Away from the court, Panagarry has also championed a league-wide Pride Round, which all clubs are marking this weekend. It’s a chance to celebrate the inclusivity of the sport and Panagarry believes that netball continues to be at the forefront of championing visibility.

“I’m so proud of this league. I mentioned a pride round last season, as when we have themed rounds it creates conversations and safe spaces to be educated. I truly believe that netball is one of the best sports for inclusivity and equality, but there is still more to be done.”

Back to matters on the court and Panagarry and her teammates are firmly in the hunt at the top of the NSL table again this season. This weekend has been a crucial one for the African Violet, with a repeat of last season’s final against Manchester Thunder ahead of today’s trip to Hertfordshire.

Panagarry has been pleased with how her side have performed, but believes that they can continue to improve, moving into the business end of the season.

“The aim is definitely the top four. We’re in a good position, but I think that there’s still more growth to come. It’s a heavy weekend, so we’re working on different combinations and using the squad. Both Thunder and Mavericks play quite similarly and bring a lot of speed and physicality. We need to look to control possession, but it’s a really exciting challenge to have these two matches against two massive clubs this weekend.

SARACENS MAVERICKS PATHWAY NEWS

WITH THE SEASON DRAWING TO A CLOSE FOR OUR PATHWAY SIDES, WE TAKE A LOOK BACK ON HOW THEY HAVE FARED THIS SEASON, STARTING WITH OUR NEWLY FORMED UNDER 23S.

The Under 23s are new this season. It’s been great giving these players an opportunity to still play netball at a high level. This season we have already had friendlies against Sirens Development & Severn Stars, The Army, NW Spartans and North East & Leeds Rhinos U23s.

2023 has been an exciting season for the Under 23s in their first season and we look forward to seeing what they can do in the final tournament of the season at the end of May, before we look ahead to trials for next season.

The current squad is captained by Sam Harding with vice captains, Liza Barclay and Izzy Pigg.

At Saracens Mavericks, want to increase the level of competitiveness across age-group. We know that this is just the beginning of what this group of athletes can do and are already looking forward to next season.

Keep an eye out on Mavericks channels for more information about upcoming trials.

During these matches, the group have remained competitive and learnt so much about themselves and what they are capable of achieving. The Under 23s train on a weekly basis alongside our U21s. A number of players train with the Seniors as training partners, and it’s great to have that link to the pathway.

We are looking forward to our tournament on 28th May where we will play a number of other franchises.

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.

Click here to view our upcoming camps

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

Our Alpha Camps are also 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.

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.

“IT WAS THE BEST DAY EVER!!”

We loved having Nancy as our ball deliverer last weekend against Surrey Storm.

If you would like the chance to deliver the ball at a Saracens Mavericks match, please email jorandall@saracens.net .

CAPITAL GAINS FOR MAVERICKS, AS THEY SECURE CARDIFF VICTORY.

IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT IT CERTAINLY ISN’T ALWAYS AN EASY RIDE WATCHING MAVERICKS!

Despite some rocky periods though, Saracens came through this test in the Welsh capital with flying colours, to pick up a third away win of the season.

Defeat last weekend against Surrey Storm had left Camilla Buchanan’s side going through a period of soul-searching, as they looked to cut out the errors.

The opening exchanges saw both sides start with a flow and spark to the match, but it was Mavericks who opened up the early advantage, thanks in part to the defensive work of Razia Quashie and the speed of play from captain Sasha Corbin.

Dragons though, have looked like a side that are on the up in recent weeks.

They staged their own mini comeback towards the end of the first quarter, to edge themselves into a lead at the interval, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Mavericks though, were in no mood to let that deficit halt their charge and they came out of the blocks like a team possessed in the second quarter. Aliyah Zaranyika’s flying intercept set the tone, with Kira Rothwell and Ine-Mari Venter showing all of their nous in attack to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The gap was out to five now, with Mavericks continuing to look like the side in command, with Zaranyika again imposing herself on the play.

Mavericks made two changes early in the third quarter, with Beth Ecuyer-Dale and Monique Meyer entering the fray.

With Ecuyer-Dale steadying things for her side in the middle of the court, Mavericks looked to be controlling proceedings, only for two lapses in concentration to allow Dragons to quickly close the gap.

The Welsh side were showing all the grit and determination in this stage of the match, as Mavericks began to let errors creep into their play.

As the quarter progressed though, Saracens began to steady themselves, with Meyer popping up with a crucial intercept for her side, to allow Venter and Rothwell to keep their side three scores ahead.

The game in truth had felt like it had been on a knife-edge for much of the contest, and it was no different in the final quarter.

Both sides were looking to take control on their own centre passes, as the match continued to ebb and flow.

In the final five minutes though, Mavericks finally took control of the contest, with a misplaced Dragons pass, followed swiftly by a flurry of Mavericks goals to take the game away from the Welsh side.

Kira Rothwell continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over with a well-taken goal, with Mavericks seeing this one out thanks to another intervention in defence from Quashie.

This was by no-means a polished performance by Saracens. But it was another important victory on the road, with a huge amount of learnings being taken, ahead of today’s encounter with Loughborough at HSV.

SARACENS MAVERICKS NEXT UP AT HOME

SATURDAY 6 MAY

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MONDAY 22 MAY

HERTFORDSHIRE SPORTS VILLAGE FIRST CENTRE PASS: 5.30PM

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