SEVERN Stars’ head coach says her team need to concentrate on performance rather than points to progress this season.

Sam Bird’s Worcester-based side are awaiting their first win in the 2018 Vitality Netball Superleague two games in.

Their first away match of the season is at her previous side Benecos Mavericks tomorrow at Essex Sport Arena, Colchester (4pm).

Stars put in a strong performance in their opener against Manchester Thunder, who placed third last year, losing in the dying seconds by just one goal having led from the outset. 

Last weekend, Stars matched Midlands rivals and reigning champions Wasps at times but left themselves too much to do after a first quarter that saw them fall seven goals behind.

Although admitting feeling the pressure to get a win on the board, Bird said she was happy with what she had seen on the court against Wasps which was key.

“Obviously points are in the back of your mind,” she said.

“You want points, everybody does, so that’s really important but if we take care of the performance the points will follow so it’s all about the performance for me.

“Training has gone well this week with the squad working collaboratively but with high intensity and players challenging each other.

"We have reflected well on areas to improve and will take those from the training environment into the game at the weekend.”

Bird will return to a side she knows well having spent 11 years as a coach at Mavericks when they won two Superleague titles.

She is expecting a competitive game with both sides fielding new team members and a lively atmosphere.

“Mavericks are a new-look team this year so they have got a few familiar faces but a new attacking line-up in particular and I’m really looking forward to the game,” she added.

“They have a good fan base so it will be a good, loud, noisy match and I think these girls are really going to put out a good performance against Mavericks.”