Wasps Netball 61 – 34 Strathclyde Sirens

Wasps Netball went six points clear at the top of the Superleague with a comfortable 61-34 win against Strathclyde Sirens.

Mel Mansfield’s team were on top throughout the match and pulled away from their opposition in the second-quarter with clinical attacking play.

The win opened a three game home stint for Wasps Netball, with Manchester Thunder travelling to Ricoh Arena on Wednesday (7.30pm centre-pass) and Severn Stars on Sunday 10 March (4pm centre-pass).

Mansfield said: “I put the players under some pressure that we had to score more goals, we knew we needed to start faster and we did exactly that.

“We got everyone out on court tonight. Every player got significant game time and exposure, which will be key ahead of two more big games against Thunder and Stars at Ricoh Arena.

“It’s important that our changes make an impact and that was the case again.

“We are taking it game by game but if we keep winning in this fashion we’ll be right up there come the end of the season.”

Sirens, who were without star Goal Shooter Cat Tuivati, went goal-for-goal with their hosts throughout the opening stages.

The visitors did well to disrupt Wasps in the first-quarter, not allowing the hosts to find any attacking rhythm.

But the Black and Golds were still able to build a seven-goal lead by the end of the quarter, with Jade Clarke proving a key player in the mid-court.

Wasps started the second-quarter quickly and were soon leading by double-figures.

The home side’s attack was firing on all cylinders, with Rachel Dunn missing for the first time in the game but immediately securing the rebound and rectifying her mistake.

The second-quarter was filled with turnovers, with Wasps forcing Sirens into mistakes and taking advantage.

Bongi Msomi orchestrated the patient, calculated offensive play from the edge of the shooting circle and helped her side push to a 16 goal half-time lead.

Mansfield’s made a trio of changes at half-time, with Sophia Candappa, Tamsin Moala and Fran Williams all introduced.

Williams made an immediate impact, putting pressure on the ball to win it back for her team.

Wasps continued to move the ball quickly up the court and build a significant lead, with Moala impressing and creating space for Dunn in the circle.

Moala was replaced by Chloe Essam for the final-quarter, as Wasps looked to see out the win.

Sirens came out firing in the fourth-quarter, with Goodwin starring at Goal Shooter and finishing off a slick offensive move.

But Wasps continued to press their advantage and secured a comfortable 27 goal victory.

Wasps Netball’s next fixture will see them face Manchester Thunder at Ricoh Arena on Wednesday 6 March (7.30pm centre-pass).

Attendance: 919

Player of the match: Amy Flanagan

Q1: 14-7
Q2: 30-14
Q3: 47-24
Q4: 61-34

Wasps starting seven: GK Josie Huckle; GD Hannah Knights; WD Amy Flanagan; C Jade Clarke; WA Bongi Msomi; GA Katie Harris; GS Rachel Dunn

Used substitutes: Sophia Candappa (WA); Tamsin Moala (GA); Fran Williams (GD); Chloe Essam (GS); Sam May (GK)

Sirens starting seven: GK Hayley Mutherton; GD Emily Nicholl; WD Gia Abernethy; C Claire Maxwell; WA Nicola McCleary; GA Lynsey Gallagher ; GS Bethan Goodwin

Pictured is Jade Clarke (Credit: Clive Jones).