SEVERN Stars took three points from table-toppers Manchester Thunder to continue a rollercoaster Vitality Netball Superleague season.

An all-round composed performance from the squad saw them earn an 50-47 away victory at the Belle Vue Sports Village last night.

Head coach Sam Bird said: “A super third win in a row for the squad.

"I’m particularly proud of the performance as beating Thunder in Manchester is always a challenge but the squad executed the game-plan to the best of their ability and it paid off.”

After triumphing against Celtic Dragons and Strathclyde Sirens, Stars travelled north determined to keep their run of wins.

They came out firing in the first quarter with turnovers from Sam Cook and Jodi-Ann Ward converted by Georgia Rowe.

Stars took a two-goal lead but this was quickly reversed by Thunder converting three in a row to end the first quarter 13-11 up.

Lucy Harris moved to centre and Iona Darroch to wing attack in the second quarter but Stars started poorly and fell 19-14 behind early on.

More turnovers from the defensive unit, incredible spring from Ward and repeated shooter contact on Cook meant Stars went on a scoring streak, taking the lead to 20-19 with seven consecutive goals.

Despite changes in the Thunder circle, Stars took a convincing 25-21 advantage.

Thunder made several substitutions going into the third quarter and Stars kept their shape, extending their lead to 33-28.

The away side lost their flow and brought on Shona O’Dwyer at wing attack, moving Darroch to back centre, but Thunder did not miss their chances to level the score at 36-36.

With a huge 15 minutes to play Harris came back at wing attack and Thunder went ahead for the first time since the second quarter at 37-36.

After thrilling end-to-end netball it was down to Stars to stay composed, protect the ball and convert their chances.

They did just that and with more spectacular turnovers from Cook earned the 50-47 victory.

Bird added: “We knew we had to disrupt Thunder’s rhythm and isolate key players and we did that well.

"A good day for the club and we look to continue to work hard this week as we approach the double-header weekend.”

Stars host Team Bath on Saturday (6pm) in a sell-out at the University of Gloucestershire Sports Arena.