SEVERN Stars head coach Sam Bird credited Team Bath for a “strong defensive effort” to stop her side from a snatching victory after suffering a 53-43 defeat.

The Worcester franchise remained within touching distance of their fifth-placed opponents throughout the first 45 minutes at the Team Bath Arena but the hosts were able to pull clear in the closely-fought Vitality Superleague clash.

The teams headed into the final break with it still all to play for, with Bath narrowly ahead 37-35.

Once again Stars turned to their bench with Cara Lea Moseley stepping into the game at wing attack while Maryka Holtzhausen and Paige Reed shifted higher into the shooting circle.

The last few minutes saw more of the tight, end to end netball that was on display all game.

Bath found themselves with a comfortable seven-goal lead with two minutes to go.

The ball pinged back and forth, up and down the court but it fell Bath’s way and the home side ended up winning.

“We ran them so close for three quarters but were unable to push through to the end,” Bird said.

“I have to be mindful that we had a day less recovery and had to travel for the away game.

“But credit to Bath who put on a strong defensive effort against us and denied us the shooting chances we needed to take the win.”