MATCHDAY PROGRAMME | Saracens Mavericks vs Leeds Rhinos - 24 Feb 2024

BACK AT HSV IN FRONT OF ANOTHER SOLD OUT CROWD. YOUR SUPPORT IS SO IMPORTANT TO THIS GROUP.

HEAD COACH’S WELCOME

BUCHANAN CAMILLA

I’m delighted to welcome you all to Herts Sports Village this afternoon for our first home league fixture of the 2024 Netball Super League season.

Last time we were here was for our pre-season friendly against Strathclyde Sirens and the squad has made some real progress since that day.

For a start, we have our international players back with the squad after the Nations Cup series and we’ve also had more valuable time together to start to refine the connections on court.

Last weekend’s Season Opener feels like one that got away. Credit must go to Cardiff Dragons, who were impressive on the day, but as a group, we feel that we left a lot out on the court.

It was a valuable learning experience for the group, and I have no doubt that we will learn and grow as a result of that match.

On a far more positive note, we welcomed three new Mavericks into the fold last weekend. Emma Thacker and Ellie Rattu showed exactly what we want to see from them this season in a Mavericks dress, whilst Indya Masser was particularly impressive off the bench on her NSL debut.

With Vicki Oyesola looking dominant in defence on her second debut for Saracens Mavericks, there is plenty to be positive about.

We know that Leeds Rhinos will be looking to respond after their defeat at the Season Opener and we’re expecting a physical contest this afternoon.

They are a well-drilled side, with plenty of experience that will challenge and test us throughout.

However, I really believe in this group, and I know that we have the tools to secure a win today.

GIBSON JODIE CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME TO HSV FOR TODAY’S MATCH AGAINST LEEDS RHINOS.

We were disappointed not to get a win against Cardiff Dragons last weekend. We were good enough to secure that result, but it just fell away at the final moment.

There are lots of things for us to work on, but also a lot of things that we did well, and we can be proud about in our performance.

Overall, I thought we were really strong defensively and I was so pleased for all of our debutants, who made a real impact on court.

It’s an absolute honour to have been asked to be captain this season. Following on from the legend that is Sasha Corbin means so much to me and I am determined to lead this side to the best of my ability.

We know that we have got some real talent in this group, and we are determined to unlock it this season.

On behalf of the players and staff, I want to say a huge thank you to all of you for coming down this afternoon to HSV.

We love playing at home and it’s because of the special atmosphere that you help create in the stands. Every time we come onto court, it always gives us that boost and I know it will again today.

I must also say thank you though to our amazing Volunteers and staff behind the scenes. They really are the people that make these matches into the occasions that they are and as a group, we know the amount of work that they all put in.

For now, though, we can’t wait to get back out on the court.

Enjoy the game.

SCENE SETTER

The home comforts of HSV served Saracens Mavericks well in this fixture last season, but they know that they are facing a Leeds Rhinos side intent on making waves of their own this season.

It goes without saying that a match can be won and lost in a single moment and it’s fair to say that both of these sides will know that feeling from their two encounters last season.

The first fixture between the sides at HSV, saw Mavs edge to a first win of

the season, much to the joy of the Herts Sports Village crowd, before they played the role of party poopers at Leeds Rhinos’ arena fixture, in a pulsating one-goal win.

The margins in netball are so fine, with the entire 7 having to work in perfect harmony to secure the desired result. One loose connection and the pendulum can swing against you. One turnover or rebound and it can swing back towards you.

Those are how tight the margins are in this sport,

with every second and every goal likely to prove crucial in the final reckoning.

Following last weekend’s Season Opener, both Mavericks and Rhinos know that feeling all too well.

For Mavericks, it was a case of the lead changing hands on multiple occasions, as they drew a thriller with Cardiff Dragons.

For the Rhinos, it was a case of dusting themselves down and going again,

after a defeat to a Severn Stars side who look like they have kicked on again this season.

This is only the second round of the campaign though, and there will no doubt be plenty of twists and turns between now and the end of June.

Mavericks and Rhinos seem to have been two sides in recent seasons that always end up going toe-to-toe. Whether it be in the shooting circle or the defensive third, there have been plenty of brilliant individual battles over the last few years.

A player that was at the heart of them for Rhinos last season was NSL Players’ Player of the Year Vicki Oyesola, as she routinely shut down attack after attack.

The defensive star was a standout performer last season, as she broke back into the Vitality Roses setup after a string of seriously good performances.

It was perhaps no surprise then that the netball community took a collective gasp back in the summer when it was announced that she would be returning to her first club, Saracens Mavericks.

Whilst netball fans had been preparing themselves to see Rhinos unleash a defensive end of Mentor and instead, they will watch intently this afternoon to see which of the two defensive superstars can help push their side on towards a victory that would give their respective sides lift

Oyesola’s move to Mavericks in the summer was seen as a huge coup for Camilla Buchanan’s side, as she joined an imperious looking defensive end that includes captain Jodie Gibson and Razia Quashie.

At this early stage in the season, it’s certainly all to play for in the NSL.

A NEW-LOOK SQUAD AND AN ENGLISH LEGEND IN DEFENCE. THERE’S A FAIR AMOUNT OF INTRIGUE ABOUT LEEDS RHINOS THIS

THE OPPOSITION

How do you respond to a 7th place finish the previous season? Well in the case of Leeds Rhinos, their answer was to bring a legend of the game back to her home country.

Geva Mentor may have retired from international netball, but the legendary Goal Keeper is still very much at the top of her game.

She arrives in Leeds as a bone fide legend of the game, and she will also have former Collingwood Magpies teammate Zoe Davies with her for company at the Rhinos.

Mentor has been named as Rhinos’ captain by Head Coach Liana Leota this season, with the hope that her experience will be able to guide the side back up the table, after a campaign that saw them win four matches in 2023.

She has pretty much ripped up the book and started again this season too, with ten new faces in the NSL squad for the 2024 season.

Amongst them are sisters Emma and Michelle Magee Michelle played for Rhinos in 2023, whilst her sister Emma made 18 appearances for Surrey Storm and scored 103 goals over two seasons before taking a year away from playing in 2023.

An opening day defeat to Severn Stars showed that there is still work to be done, but this Rhinos side is one that will pose an exciting and unknown proposition for many sides this season.

In Malawian Goal Shooter Joyce Mvula, they have a player who will keep even the most uncompromising defences on their toes.

Mvula previously played for Manchester Thunder and will be looking to show that she is one of the deadliest attacking players in the division this year.

She will be supported in the attacking third by two more exciting young talents in the form of Amy Braithwaite and Harriet Jones, who will be looking to make a big impact this

season for their side.

Braithwaite is a hugely talented young prospect. The 20-year-old became the first player from the Rhinos Pathway to ever sign for the club when she was promoted mid-way through last season, and she’ll be looking to kick on again from the time this time around.

Jones is another that those in Leeds are rightly excited about. The 18year-old Future Roses star is a former Manchester Thunder Training Partner who made her Thunder debut last season. She’s a player that Head Coach Leota knows well from her own work with the Future Roses and she will be hoping to help mould the talented Goal Attack into another star for her side.

The promise is certainly there, but Rhinos will be looking to kick on now.

Leota wanted her side to “take a breath” as they go into today’s fixtures, as she bemoaned errors and a slow start against Stars. She remained confident though in the game plan of her side and admitted that she is looking for more today.

LEES GEORGIA THE INTERVIEW

It’s been a whirlwind year for Georgia Lees. After the collapse of her new club Wasps in the off season, she returned to Mavericks as an Additional Training Partner, before finding herself back on court after a series of injuries in the Mavericks 12.

This season, she’s back as a core member of the squad, with the added responsibility of being named as Vice-Captain.

With Sasha Corbin retiring in the summer and Beth Ecuyer-Dale moving to Cardiff Dragons, there has been a refresh of the Mavericks leadership team, with Jodie Gibson named as captain and Lees assuming the Vice Captaincy role.

However, when Lees got the call from Camilla Buchanan, it’s fair to say that she wasn’t expecting to be asked to take on the position!

“

IT WAS A REAL SURPRISE WHEN CAM RANG ME TO SAY, BUT I’M SO HONOURED.

“It’s a real honour to be named vice-captain this season. It was a real surprise when Cam rang me to say, but I’m so honoured. We have a great group of girls, and we

this season. With the Training Partner as well, who have all got such bright futures ahead of them, it’s such a positive place to be in.”

“We’ve got a really good mix of experience and youth. We’ve got plenty of players here who have been part of this Mavericks

mainstay within the group.

Her experience at finding her attackers was evident in last weekend’s Season Opener, as she topped the league charts for most feeds, with 43. The next stage though, is for Mavs to convert more of those opportunities into scoring success.

A lot of lessons have been learnt from last weekend’s clash with Cardiff Dragons and Lees believes that they will serve her side well in the remainder of the season.

“It wasn’t the kickstart to the season that we wanted. To get the draw was disappointing and there were times we could have pushed on but didn’t do that. Saying that, our thought our defence was fantastic. That was great to see with their structures coming to the fore. In attack, we know we need to be more consistent and happier with possession of the ball. If we work the ball around, we know we’ll be in a good place."

With all 10 teams playing in Nottingham last weekend, Lees and her teammates were able to have a closer look at some of their upcoming opponents, with the Wing Attack explaining that a few teams inparticular had caught her eye.

“The best thing about the Season Opener is having everyone in one venue, so you can have a look at each side and what they

will bring in the season. Severn Stars really stood out to me. They had a really nice structure, and it was really evident in the Season Opener.”

“You’ve also got Manchester Thunder and Loughborough Lightning. They perform every year. and they have some solid players they’ve retained, alongside some exciting players from overseas, so I expect them to be right up there.”

Whilst there are no doubt challenges to come with a lot of competition for a top four spot, Lees and her teammates will be able to rely on the home comforts of HSV again this season.

This afternoon’s match is sold out and Lees couldn’t help but smile when describing the wall of noise that the Mavericks crowd brings.

“It’s really exciting to have the full crowd. I know as a team we’re all so excited to be out in front of everyone. To be out there in the league is so special. Everyone always says it, but our home fans are so supportive and loud. We can really feel them behind us whenever we’re on court and with the full house in this afternoon, I’m expecting it to be loud!”

Lees has seen a lot of change during her time with Mavericks, but she was quick to highlight just how much she relishes being part of the team.

“I love being a part of this club. It’s my fifth season here and we’ve been working really hard on the culture in the group. We’re seeing that start to flourish now too. We’ve got great connections on and off the court and that’s so nice to be a part of. There’s a great energy in the team and the new players have helped create that too.”

PLAYER PROFILES 2023/24

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PLAYER SPONSORSHIP, PLEASE EMAIL jamesmccann@saracens.net FOR MORE INFORMATION

Kindly sponsored by:

AVAILABLE

GS

AVAILABLE

For full player biographies, please scan this QR code:

Kindly sponsored by: Kindly sponsored by: GK

Kindly sponsored by: Kindly sponsored by:

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

GD Kindly sponsored by:

AVAILABLE

PEACE AKINYEMI

BRITNEY CLARKE

JODIE GIBSON

GEORGIA LEES

INDYA MASSER

VICKI OYESOLA

MAVERICK #

MAVERICK #94

MAVERICK #95

MAVERICK #89

MAVERICK #109

MAVERICK #71

WA

GD

KIRA ROTHWELL

Kindly sponsored by: Kindly sponsored by: Kindly sponsored by: THE WRAY FAMILY

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

INE-MARI VENTER

ALIYAH ZARANYIKA

Kindly sponsored by: Kindly sponsored by: Kindly sponsored by:

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

TRAINING PARTNER

Kindly sponsored by: Kindly sponsored by:

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR

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

GA

WA

WD

THE BIG PICTURE

BRITNEY CLARKE SHOOTS FOR GOAL

PATHWAY NEWS

IT’S BEEN A BUSY PERIOD FOR OUR MAVERICKS PATHWAY, AS THEY CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THE NEXT GENERATION OF MAVERICKS STARS.

sides are in action today against their counterparts from Leeds Rhinos, as the stars of the future showcase their talent on court!

The Mavericks Pathway has produced a large number of elite netballers, many of whom are either playing for Mavericks or another club in the NSL.

This week also saw the news that pathway players Azara Wilmot and Gracie Smith have been

and Training Associate, respectively.

Due to age restrictions, Smith was unable to be elevated to full training partner, but she will still benefit from time with the senior squad.

She and Wilmot join Training Partner Anna Fairclough and Training Associates Tommy Wiseman (Mavericks Futures Assistant Coach,) Lola Stevens (Mavericks U21’s,) Caitlin Rump (Mavericks U23’s,) Ky Lewis (Mavericks Futures AC) and Darcy Griffin, in working with the NSL squad throughout the season, as they the wider Mavericks training group looks to develop the structures and style of play Head Coach Camilla Buchanan is hoping to see throughout the 2024

Both Wilmot and Smith have impressed this season with the pathway, as they look to take the next step forward again in their young careers.

Our U23s have been continuing to go from strength to strength this season. So far, they’ve played matches against Sirens Development, Army Development and Open Squads. The competition in this age group is extremely competitive and exciting as many players are on the edge of NSL teams, which bodes incredibly well for the future.

At the next age-group down, our U21s have won three and lost one as they continue to push for consistent performances. At the halfway stage in the season, the squad currently sit in 4th place in the league.

Our U19s have also impressed, winning three of their four matches this season under the guidance of Tamsin Greenway, as they sit in 3rd place in the

league, as they continue to show some impressive development.

Our U17s have been training hard since selection back in September and face their face game this weekend against Severn Stars. They’ll be looking to put in a big performance away in Worcester.

The success and development continues at the younger age ranges as well. We have 6 Futures programmes, with players aged 15 to 18 based in Basildon, Bedford, Cambridge, High Wycombe, St Albans and Thetford. They play in an internal league where they play against their fellow Futures sides, alongside teams from our Player Development Programme Berkhamsted, Herts and Essex. The league is very competitive, and we look forward to sharing the results and more details in programme.

Out Futures U15 - Year 9 and Year 8 programmes are training once a month

and enjoying their learning and development at Queenswood & Mill Hill Schools respectively.

Our Mini Mavericks programme is also continuing to grow. We have 30 young girls who simply love their netball and meeting new friends and learning so much. They will be entering The Support Act tournament this weekend, with a chance to play at the OVO Arena Wembley in the finals.

On the international scene, Azara Wilmot, Gracie Smith and Millie Burns have been named in the England Roses Academy, with Onye Nze named as a reserve for the Netball Europe tournament.

Ciara Lynch and Eryn Salako have been selected for the Republic of Ireland, with Anna Fairclough, Gillian Thomson, Rae Nelson and Olivia Pitt named for Scotland and Tillie Irvine for Northern Ireland, as our pathway athletes continue to shine on the international stage.

SQUADS MATCHDAY

Peace AKINYEMI

Jodie GIBSON

Vicki OYESOLA

Razia QUASHIE

Georgia LEES

Indya MASSER

Ellie RATTU

Aliyah ZARANYIKA

DEFENCE

Zoe DAVIES

Sarah MACPHAIL

Michelle MAGEE

Geva MENTOR

MID-COURT

Celyn EMANUEL

Amelia HALL

Cassie HOWARD

Caroline O’HANLON

ATTACK

Britney CLARKE

Kira ROTHWELL

Emma THACKER

Ine-Mari VENTER

Amy BRAITHWAITE

Harriet JONES

Emma MAGEE

Joyce MVULA