SEVERN Stars suffered an agonising 55-49 defeat at the hands of Manchester Thunder in an enthralling Vitality Netball Superleague encounter.

Despite matching their play-off chasing opponents for much of the game, Stars found themselves trailing by 10 goals with just five minutes of the final quarter remaining.

But the visitors rallied and brought the score back to within just three goals in a nail-biting finale at a sold-out Manchester Thunderdome before succumbing to defeat.

The away side had found themselves 5-2 behind in the opening stages of the first quarter as they struggled to deal with relentless pressure from the hosts.

But Stars rallied and soon levelled the game with the creativity of wing attack Iona Darroch and goal attack Maryka Holtzhausen helping them to bring the score to 8-8 with five minutes of the quarter remaining.

Stars continued to keep pace with their opponents with Holtzhausen and goal shooter Eleanor Cardwell netting to ensure they ended the first quarter behind by just one goal at 16-15.

The visitors struggled to break down a stubborn Thunder defence in a frustrating second quarter as the hosts took control of the game, taking a commanding 26-20 lead five minutes before the interval.

Thunder continued to dominate with lively goal attack Kathryn Turner and commanding goal shooter Joyce Mvula combining to help take a 31-24 lead into the half-time break.

Stars reacted by making a tactical reshuffle with Jodie Gibson being withdrawn.

Laura Rudland entered at wing attack while Laura Malcolm moved to wing defence with Darroch to centre.

And despite a slow start to the third quarter a determined Stars eventually forced their way back into the game as they reduced the deficit to just four goals.

But a late surge from Thunder saw the hosts extend their lead to seven, taking a 44-37 advantage into the final quarter.

Stars started slowly in the final 15 minutes and had slumped to a 10-goal deficit shortly after the restart.

But again a determined Stars rallied with goal defence Sam Cook’s superb interception and Stars’ lightning counter-attacking play allowing the visitors to bring the deficit back to five.

A resurgent Stars continued to fight their way back into the game with tireless defending from their defensive trio and quick attacking play allowing the visitors to bring the score back to within just three goals.

But Stars could not maintain their relentless pressure and Thunder managed to hold on to take a 55-49 victory.

Stars head coach Sam Bird said she was pleased with her side’s performance despite the result.

“The performance was very, very good,” she said.

“The second-half performance from us in particular, drawing the third quarter and winning the final quarter after a run of seven goals, I have to be pleased with that.

“I’ll be kicking myself about the second quarter. I wish we had just tightened up on that and stayed in close contact and I think if we had done that we would have won.”

Tickets for the next home game against Surrey Storm on Friday (7.30pm) are available at severnstars.co.uk.