SEVERN Stars head coach Sam Bird was disappointed with her team’s display as they crashed 64-46 at home to Saracens Mavericks.

They failed to cause an upset against second-placed Mavericks at the University of Worcester Arena on the back of a win at Strathclyde Sirens.

Frustrated Stars struggled to convert in front of goal and despite a strong defensive show could not overcome the Vitality Netball Superleague title contenders.

Bird said: “We’d spoken about focusing on the performance and process and I was particularly disappointed in the first quarter when we were level and then in the last two minutes we lost concentration and allowed them to score four or five goals in a row. 

"When we play well we play beautifully but we don’t do it for long enough.”

In a close start Mavericks took an early 3-1 lead.

Stars responded quickly through shooter Georgia Rowe after mid-court duo Iona Darroch and Lucy Harris combined.

A stunning intercept by defender Jodi-Ann Ward denied Mavericks before a quick interchange between Harris, Darroch and shooter Maryka Holtzhausen allowed Rowe to bring Stars within one goal.

But the speedy Mavericks attack dominated and a string of mistakes allowed them to build a 17-10 first-quarter lead.

Stars started the second brightly as Holtzhausen found shooter Rowe to make it 22-13. 

Ward's flying intercept was a highlight as the defence worked hard but mistakes in the attacking third continued.

Mavericks opened up a 10-goal lead with attackers Georgia Lees and Sasha Corbin pivotal in mid-court.

Stars defender Sam Cook made four consecutive defensive stops as Stars looked to reduce the deficit.

Holtzhausen found Rowe with a pinpoint pass to leave the hosts 33-23 behind at half-time.

Bird brought on Halimat Adio at goal keeper but after a cagey start to the third quarter Mavericks opened up a 15-goal lead thanks to clinical shooting from Georgia Fisher.

Paige Reed came on at goal attack and Harris went back to centre with an instant impact as the latter floated a ball over to Darroch before a quick interchange between Reed and Rowe allowed Stars to score.

Ward's fine defensive stop ended the quarter on a high but Stars had it all to do at 53-35 down.

Darroch floated the ball into Cara-Lea Moseley, on at wing attack, before finding Rowe who was clinical under the post.

But Mavericks defenders Lindsay Keable and Jo Trip produced multiple defensive turnovers.

Reed responded by finding Rowe as Stars chipped away at the deficit.

But despite an impressive defensive display Stars could not capitalise in attack.

Bird added: “We need to keep reinforcing those passing options and make sure we take care of the ball.

"I was really pleased with how our defence shut down Mavericks and won the ball so there’s lots to be positive about there.  "Our attack needs to take more responsibility for the performance.”

Stars visit Wasps on Sunday (4pm) and their next home game is against Loughborough Lightning at the University of Worcester Arena on Saturday, March 23.