FRUSTRATED Severn Stars lost 64-52 at home to Midland rivals Wasps in the Vitality Netball Superleague last night.

Despite another positive performance by the hosts in front of another bumper crowd at the University of Worcester Arena, reigning Superleague champions Wasps came away with the win.

They dominated much of the first quarter, building a decisive advantage from which Stars were unable to recover despite strong second and third showings.

Wasps enjoyed the better of the opening stages and raced to an 8-3 lead after five minutes courtesy of Georgie Fisher’s sharp shooting.

Stars found a foothold midway through the quarter with South African international goal attack Markya Holtzhausen’s incisive pass finding goal shooter Eleanor Cardwell who finished under pressure before netting again to make it 10-7.

Cardwell was involved again moments later, bagging the pick of the goals in a lively first quarter when sinking a looping shot from distance, much to the delight of the home crowd.

But some scintillating attacking play from the away team ensured Wasps ended with a commanding 17-10 first-quarter lead.

Stars came out flying in the second quarter with wing attack Sophie Carter’s defence-splitting pass five minutes into the second quarter allowing Cardwell to net as the hosts grabbed six goals without reply to reduce the deficit.

Cardwell continued her impressive second quarter with consecutive goals from distance as Stars battled to keep pace with the reigning champions, bringing the score to within six points with a minute remaining of the half.

But despite a draw in a much-improved second quarter from the hosts Stars headed into half-time trailing 32-25.

A tactical reshuffle from Wasps saw the introduction of head coach Tamsin Greenway at wing attack and Josie Huckle at goal keeper as the visitors looked to maintain their advantage in the third quarter.

Stars showed glimpses of brilliance as South African international goal keeper Phumza Maweni’s defensive rebound set up a swift counter-attack with some clever passing eventually allowing Cardwell to net. 

Maweni was involved again moments later as her flying interception allowed Stars to build a clever move from which the in-form Cardwell scored.

But Wasps continued to hold Stars at bay with a 48-41 scoreline at the end of the third quarter.

A cagey start to the final quarter from Stars allowed the visitors to increase their lead to 10 points after just two minutes of the restart. 

But Stars rallied with their player of the match Cardwell able to find space behind a stubborn defence to bring the score back to within eight points.

However, the visitors were able to hold out for the win.

Stars head coach Sam Bird said: “In the first quarter we showed Wasps too much respect.

"We had a new attacking line-up and that showed a bit and there were a few nerves on court.

“But we drew both the second and third quarters and they were really high-quality quarters from us and that just shows what we can deliver. 

“We’ve played last year’s champions and we’ve given them a lot to think about and they had to work hard for that win.  I want more but I’m happy with that performance.”

Tickets for the next home game against Team Bath on Monday, February 26 (7.30pm), are available at severnstars.co.uk.