TITLE chasing Loughborough Lightning proved too strong for Severn stars in their penultimate Vitality Netball Superleague game of the 2022 season.

Stars travelled to the Sir David Wallace Stadium for their final away game of the year but it was to be a difficult afternoon for the visitors.

Lightning, currently second, made the most of the first centre pass and after capitalising on a held ball against Stars’ goal attack Paige Reed, went three goals up early on.

Stars’ defence worked well together to help bring back the score to 6-5 before they again levelled the match at 10 apiece.

But Lightning made some key interceptions in the final minutes of the first quarter to narrowly extend its lead 18-15.

The home side scored two consecutive goals in the opening of the second quarter and continued to extend their advantage, helped by shooter, Mary Cholhok.

Lucy Herdman made two tips to get the ball back in Stars’ possession and put goals on the board, then a further three flying interceptions, which helped close the deficit to 10 at half-time, 35-25.

Stars kicked off the second half with a goal and defender Dee Bolakoro was quick to come up with the rebound after a missed shot by Lightning, which Stars then converted.

A flurry of Stars interceptions came through Dyke and Herdman to help close the gap, but Lightning continued to quickly score goals and several turnovers saw the gap increase to 50-36 by the end of the third quarter.

Herdman wasted no time in the final quarter in getting Stars on the scoresheet, taking the rebound from another missed shot by Lightning.

However, the home team also continued to pick up turnovers from Stars and they eventually cruised to victory by 20 points.