The South West Derby ended in defeat for Severn Stars, as Team Bath claimed a 50-40 home win in the Vitality Netball Superleague.

Stars were able to match their fourth-placed in an encounter that was practically goal-for-goal before Bath were able to pull away in the third quarter.

The visitors had been hoping to build on last weekend’s win over Wasps at the Spring Showdown whilst Bath were looking to bounce back from defeat to Leeds Rhinos.

Stars were first to get on Saturday’s scoreboard thanks to an early goal from Paige Reed.

Defenders Lucy Herdman and Summer Artman continued their impressive form in the defensive circle, able to put pressure on the Bath shooters.

However English international Layla Guscoth made the breakthrough for Bath and they quickly levelled out the game before a miss and a held ball called against Reed allowed Bath to come out of the first quarter on top, 13-11 in front.

Stars once again started brightly in the second quarter, capitalising on the first centre pass before taking advantage when Bath shooter Kim Borger took a tumble.

Katie Harris then replaced Reed at goal attack, wasting no time getting on the scoreboard.

Both teams made interceptions but were unable to capitalise, but Bath gained their composure first to score.

Harris scored on the buzzer from the circle edge, meaning there was just one goal in it at halftime, 22-21 to Bath.

Worcester News: It was a goal-for-goal encounter for much of the match at the Team Bath Arena It was a goal-for-goal encounter for much of the match at the Team Bath Arena

The goal-for-goal action continue in the second half, but Bath made the first interception in the quarter to edge out their lead, forcing Stars to make changes, with Nicole Humphrys coming on at wing defence.

Harris continued her long-range shooting, but Bath came up with some crucial turnovers which were converted to extend the lead over Stars to 36-31 at the end of the third.

Adi Bolakoro was brought on at goal defence for Stars at the start of the final quarter but it proved to make little difference as several intercepts by Bath helped the home side to extend their lead, the final score 50-40 to Team Bath.

Stars, a joint franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire, next play London Pulse at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday, April 30, at 6pm.