SARACENS MAVERICKS INDYA MASSER SEVERN STARS VS OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME FRI 29 MAR FCP 16:00 HERTS SPORTS VILLAGE ISSUE 03
EXCITED FOR THIS TEST AGAINST STARS.
BUCHANAN CAMILLA
Welcome to Herts Sports Village for this afternoon’s clash with Severn Stars.
It’s been a few weeks since we were last at home, but we have really built some confidence and momentum with back-toback away victories.
Those two results have been so important for us and I’m really pleased with how the group have responded and reset in both fixtures.
We’re really looking forward to this afternoon’s match. Stars are a quality side and a team that we always have amazing battles with.
They’ve started the season incredibly well and today will be a huge indicator of how far we’ve come as a side over the last few weeks.
We feel that we are in a strong position and as a coach, it’s pleasing to see how we are developing our game in every training session.
We’ve seen some real growth in the group and to see the likes of Indya Masser stepping up in the middle of the court alongside Ellie Rattu has been a particular highlight.
From a leadership side, I’ve been hugely impressed with Jodie Gibson and Georgia Lees in the last few matches.
Their performances have been exceptional, and they have both really driven the side forward in both attack and defence
To have players of their calibre really pushing the side to the next level is so important for us as a group.
We’ve really turned a corner as a side and today is a chance to show just how far we’ve come.
We know that this is going to be a great challenge, but it’s one that we are relishing. We know the threats Stars will bring to the table but we’re confident we can keep this momentum going.
WE WANT TO KEEP THIS MOMENTUM GONG IN THESE NEXT TWO FIXTURES.
GIBSON JODIE CAPTAIN’S COLUMN
We can’t wait to be back at home this afternoon in front of our amazing fans.
It’s been a big few weeks for us as a side. We hit the reset button in the last few games, and we really feel that we are now pushing on as a side.
The performance against Team Bath was a huge positive for us and we were thrilled to back it up last week against Sirens.
Matches in Glasgow have proved to be something of a banana skin for us as a side in recent seasons, so to score 71 goals and perform as we did was hugely pleasing.
We’ve got real options all over the court and seeing the partnership that is beginning to form between Ine-Mari Venter and Emma Thacker has been fantastic to see as a teammate and also as a captain.
With Kira Rothwell and Britney Clarke up top too, we are blessed with some outstanding attacking options.
The same can be said across the court though. I know that whoever is on the court is going to do a great job and give everything for the team.
As a defensive unit, we feel that we are really coming into our own now as well.
The connections are developing every week and I really feel that the last two weeks of action have shown just how much of an impact we can make on the game.
We know that sort of threat that Severn Stars will pose and with the start to the season they have had, we know that this afternoon is going to be a huge test.
It’s one that we’re relishing though, and we can’t wait to get going!
SCENE SETTER
Mavericks versus Stars.
It’s fair to say that fixtures between these two sides tend to be a bit of a rollercoaster.
It’s not easy being a netball fan at times. Whether it’s the nervous energy as your side look to try and hold out for a win, or that tinge of frustration when something doesn’t quite click, it’s fair to say that there are plenty of ups and downs supporting your side.
The same could be said of Mavericks’ start to the season too.
With fresh faces within the group, things were always going to take time to bed in.
Defeats to Storm and Lightning, coupled with an opening day draw against Dragons looked to have put the dampener on the start to the campaign.
But then, something just seemed to click. That’s the beauty of sport, when it’s your day, everything just feels smooth and in control.
That’s certainly how Mavericks have looked for
the last couple of weeks, with big away wins over Team Bath and Strathclyde Sirens.
It’s not just been the victories that have been impressive, it’s been the manner of them.
Things look to be starting to flow on court, with the impressive defence that has been a feature throughout the campaign now matched by the speed of play through the court and the sharp shooting in the attacking third. The return of Ine-Mari Venter has no doubt helped ease
the workload, but it has been a collective squad effort over the last few weeks, with Head Coach Camilla Buchanan singling out practically every player on court for praise in recent weeks.
This is a Mavericks side that feel like they are starting to hit their straps and if they are, then they are going to be a dangerous prospect for the rest of the campaign.
The same can be said of Severn Stars though. Last season, they were the surprise package, as they entertained all those who took the time to watch them in action.
They’ve been doing the same this campaign too. Victories over Team Bath, Leeds Rhinos and Strathclyde Sirens have
shown that they are more than up for the play-off push, but it was their victory over London Pulse at the Copper Box that has really put the rest of the league on notice.
There’ll be smarting though heading into this one after a defeat to Cardiff Dragons last weekend.
Until that point, a defeat to table Manchester Thunder had been the only blemish on their copybook, but with the players at their disposal, they will know they have the tools to respond this weekend.
Stars currently sit in third place in the league, but the standings are so tight this year that a victory could take them top of the tree, or a loss could see them
drop as low as seventh. The tightness of the league this season makes it all the more entertaining for the neutral and all the more nerve-wracking for those in the camp of one of the teams! We’re already a third of the way through the season and who will end up in the top four is still anyone’s guess!
LAST SEASON’S
THE OPPOSITION
Severn Stars currently sit
predicted that at this point in the season, it should really come as no surprise, such has been the development of the
Led superbly by Jo Trip, Stars are a side that are both fun to watch and
against. Whether it’s their attacking threats in the shooting circle or their , Stars are a side that consistently
Six new faces have joined the side this season as Trip has strengthened both her options and experience made Loughborough Lightning,
with Future Rose Ashleigh Dekker joining from London Pulse and Niamh Cooper making the move from Surrey Storm.
In the shooting circle, Stars have again recruited shrewdly, with Betsy Creak joining after a hugely impressive season with Team Bath and Lefebre Rademan heading back to England having featured for South Africa in the Netball World Cup.
Whilst the new signings have made a big impact already for Stars, it is some of the more familiar faces that have also upped their game again.
Former Maverick and Stars captain Gabby Marshall has been the heartbeat of the side, whilst Goal Shooter Sigi Burger has already netted 215 goals this season, as she continues to showcase her strength around the
net for her side. A crucial part of the Stars team, Burger will be a player to watch out for this afternoon.
that she is a star for the future and the present with her performances.
She recently secured BUCS Gold in the university game for Loughborough Lightning, alongside Maverick Emma Thacker, as they defeated a University of Hertfordshire side containing Aliyah at BUCS Big
Another player to keep an eye on will be defender Jas Brown. The youngster has made a huge impression in the early stages of the season and has already made 21 gains for her side. Having only taken up the sport five years ago, Brown has quickly shown
Having only made her NSL debut just over a year ago, the talented Goal Keeper has continued to pull up proverbial trees on the court.
She’s got some experience alongside her too. Being a player/ coach is never an easy balance to strike but Jo Trip certainly seems to have found the perfect methods in her tenure at Severn Stars. Last year’s best ever league finish
shows that she and her side are certainly on the right track.
The New Zealand native has plenty of experience in the NSL, having played for Mavericks up until 2021 and she will be determined to take the spoils over her former side this afternoon.
There will be plenty of friendly faces making the trip to HSV today, but they will be determined to secure the win.
MASSER INDYA THE INTERVIEW
It’s been an impressive start to life in Mavericks colours for Indya Masser Having initially joined as a Training Partner, she was elevated into the 12player NSL squad before Christmas and has quickly shown her qualities.
Masser came through Loughborough University and has impressed in the opening rounds of the season for Mavericks.
With an eye for a pass and a natural flow to her game, Head Coach Camilla Buchanan has been impressed by what she’s seen from the youngster.
It’s been something of a meteoric rise for Masser after being initially named as a Training Partner for the 2024 season. Having joined up with an NSL squad for the first time in her career, she admitted to having moments where she pinched herself, such is the position she finds herself in.
“It's so surreal being part of an NSL squad for the first time. I keep saying to the everyone that I can’t believe I’ve gone from where I was, to being a Training Partner and now
to be part of the 12 squad! I’m taking it in my stride, but I’m constantly learning new things in this environment, and I’ve loved it so far.”
Masser impressed in the Season Opener against Cardiff Dragons and has continued her good form with a series of impressive cameos off the bench.
She’s been described by her Head Coach as an incredibly bright young talent and Masser feels that the environment at Saracens Mavericks has been key to helping her develop her game.
“We all want to push each on and that’s really helping me take my game to the next level We’ve created an environment here where we can all ask questions and be open to
IT’S SO SURREAL TO BE PART OF AN NSL SQUAD “
to New Zealand before Christmas, Masser was elevated into the 2024 squad.
She now finds herself training and competing against England Rose Ellie Rattu, but Masser explained that the England international has been a brilliant support in her early days at Mavericks.
“Having Ellie in the same position as me is amazing. I’m always asking questions in training and she’s so supportive. I’ve been looking to her for guidance on certain things and she’s been brilliant.”
After defeats to Surrey Storm and Loughborough
Lightning, Mavericks have hit the reset button in recent weeks.
It’s proved to be a fruitful exercise, with impressive victories away from home against Team Bath and Strathclyde Sirens.
After an impressive display against Team Bath, Masser’s patience and form was rewarded with her first start as a Netball Super League player last weekend against Strathclyde Sirens, with the youngster admitting that there were a few nerves after being told she had been given the nod.
“It was really exciting. To be named in the starting 7 in the NSL for the first time was incredible and it’s something I want to really grow into. It was a lot of pressure coming up against Sirens, but I tried to take it all in my stride.”
Masser now finds herself playing and training alongside some of the biggest names in the league.
Challenging herself against the likes of Rattu
as building up her on court relationships with the likes of Ine-Mari Venter and Emma Thacker will only help Masser take her game to the next level.
She is remaining grounded though, focusing on putting the structures she has learnt in training into practice on the court.
“I just want to implement everything we’ve been working on in training into the games we’re playing. I’m so pleased with how it went against Sirens, but I want to keep focusing, developing and working hard to see where I can take my game to. This is
journey is going to take us all as a team!”
In the short-term, that journey is going to be taking Masser to OVO Arena Wembley next weekend for Mavericks’ arena fixture against Manchester Thunder.
It’s going to be a huge occasion at a venue that has hosted its fair share of international superstars and Masser couldn’t contain her excitement as she issued a rallying call for fans to attend.
“We’re all so excited for The Headliner! It’s a great opportunity for us all and
PLAYER PROFILES 2023/24
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PEACE AKINYEMI BRITNEY CLARKE JODIE GIBSON GEORGIA LEES INDYA MASSER VICKI OYESOLA MAVERICK # MAVERICK #94 MAVERICK #95 MAVERICK #89 MAVERICK #109 MAVERICK #71GK GD WD C WA
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KIRA ROTHWELL
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INE-MARI VENTER
ALIYAH ZARANYIKA
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NETBALL STAFF
2023/24
CAMILLA BUCHANAN
BECKY TRIPPICK
TAMSIN GREENWAY
AMELEA LANCASTER
SACHEL GRANT
JO RANDALL
EMMA THACKER RAZIA QUASHIE ELLIE RATTU ANNA FAIRCLOUGH AZARA WILMOT MAVERICK #107 MAVERICK #96 MAVERICK #91 MAVERICK #80 MAVERICK #108 MAVERICK #104 TRAINING PARTNER GS GA GK WD GS GA GA GS GAC
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THE BIG PICTURE
RAZIA QAUSHIE INTERCEPTS A SIRENS PASS
PATHWAY NEWS
IT’S BEEN ANOTHER
BUSY FEW WEEKS FOR OUR PATHWAY SIDES, WITH PLENTY OF ACTION GOING ON.
The matches have just kept coming for our Saracens Mavericks Pathway sides, as we continue to keep pace in what has been a hectic season to date.
Last weekend, our U17s suffered a defeat to London Pulse, despite a
strong team performance at home.
In a match with plenty of positive performances, Onyi Nze was named as Player of the Match by the opposition, with Sadie Clemence named as Coaches Player and Players Player of the match.
Whilst the U19s suffered a defeat, it was a successful afternoon for our U19s, as they secured a hardfought 49-43 victory over North East Netball.
Rihanna Luke, Tabi Grime and Grace Twyman picked up the Player of the Match Awards, as the side showed true grit and character to see out the game and secure the victory.
The U21s kept the positive results coming too, as they secured an impressive 5945 victory over North East Netball in a match that presented a lot of learnings and firsts for the squad.
In a tough match, Lola Stevens was named as Opposition Player of the Match, with Verchelle Robinson named as Coaches Player and Eden Hill as Players Player.
It’s not just been in the world of netball that former pathway stars have been shining though. Former pathway player Josie Groves has been named as England Women’s Cricket U19s captain for the upcoming tri-series against Australia and hosts Sri Lanka.
A number of our pathway players have also been continuing to train alongside our senior NSL squad, as the Netball Super League season continues apace.
It’s fantastic to see so many of our pathway stars
It’s testament to the work of all involved with the Saracens Mavericks pathway that so many players are being able to be exposed to elite level netball whilst still in the pathway programme
Across all age=groups, the development of players and looking after their needs is always of the upmost importance.
We recently were able to host a fantastic Under 15s County PDP Tournament at Hertfordshire Sports Village as well. A big congratulations to Bedfordshire, who won the day, and to Lillia, Hope and Ingrid on being named as the players of the day.
It was fantastic to see the next generation of talented netball stars shining in competitive action and there were plenty of superb battles throughout the day.
We look forward to the next stages in the development of the players involved and know that they all have big
futures ahead of them in the game.
Next weekend, it’s The Headliner at OVO Arena Wembley. It’s set to be a massive occasion for the club and our pathway stars will also be there on the day to cheer on the side.
We’re thrilled that Training Partner Azara Wilmot and Training Associate Gracie Smith will also be playing in the SHOOT4PINK Celebrity Charity Netball match, alongside the likes of Tamsin Greenway as well. It’s going to be an amazing day!
SQUADS MATCHDAY
Peace AKINYEMI
Jodie GIBSON
Vicki OYESOLA
Razia QUASHIE
Georgia LEES
Indya MASSER
Ellie RATTU
Aliyah ZARANYIKA
DEFENCE
Rebekah AIREY
Jas BROWN
Ella POWELL-DAVIES
Jo TRIP
MID-COURT ATTACK
Britney CLARKE
Kira ROTHWELL
Emma THACKER
Ine-Mari VENTER
Niamh COOPER
Ashleigh DEKKER
Gabby MARSHALL
Jess SHAW
Sigi BURGER
Betsy CREAK
Suzie LIVERSEIDGE
Lefebre RADEMAN
