Severn Stars host their second consecutive game at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday, March 11 as they welcome Leeds Rhinos.
The two sides come into round seven off the back of contrary results after the Rhinos fought until the very end to secure a narrow 44-43 win against Wasps.
Melissa Bessell’s Stars side come into the game looking for their second win of the season after suffering defeat to Celtic Dragons on Monday.
Despite one win in six, the Stars have displayed performances to be proud of and can take the positives from each match as they look to build on.
The Rhinos, on the other hand, have lost just two of their previous five games after securing victories over Strathclyde Sirens, Celtic Dragons, and Wasps.
However, Tracey Robinson’s side have suffered defeat against last season’s runners up, Team Bath, and were defeated in round five by Surrey Storm.
Rhinos will be looking to build on from their previous win heading into round seven and will have great motivation after securing a double victory over Stars in the 2021 season.
Bessell’s Stars battled until the very end in round seven last season, but it was the Rhinos who came out on top after a close encounter ended 42-38.
After a narrow victory last time out, Rhinos looked more confident and dominant in the second fixture between the two sides in round 16 as they came away with a 63-36 win.
The 2021 season was the first season the Rhinos had appeared and therefore have only faced the Stars twice in the League so Bessell will be hoping her side can seek revenge this time out.
For the Rhinos, they were without goal attack Rhea Dixon for their last game after she sustained an injury and was replaced by new signing Sigi Burger.
Goal shooter Amy Clinton was absent for their trip to Surrey but featured on the bench for their recent game against Wasps so her recent inclusion could hint at an appearance against Stars.
Tuaine Keenan slotted back into her defensive role against Wasps after not featuring in Robinson’s team of 12 against Mikki Austin’s Storm side.
Both Vicki Oyesola and Emily Hollingworth has paired up in the defensive third as goal defence and wing defence in the previous three and will likely continue to feature against Stars.
For the Stars, Cat Tuivaiti wasn’t included in Bessell’s 12 player squad due to injury but could be nearing a return soon after being named on the bench for their trip to London.
Young goal shooter Isabelle Eaton remained side-lined against the Dragons as Jane Taylor replaced her on the bench and made a cameo in round six.
Lucy Herdman and Summer Artman partnered up once again in the defence with vice-captain Iman Thomas slotting into the wing defence role alongside the pair.
Dee Bolakoro and Thomas both also featured in the goalkeeper and goal defence role which has provided Bessell with plenty of options in the third and allowed her side to switch up throughout the four quarters.
After a strong performance from the defender, Artman earned Stars’ player of the match last time out and could therefore feature in the starting seven against the Rhinos.
Centre Bethan Dyke and captain Liana Leota continued to hold down the mid court positions and were able to provide their side with goal scoring opportunities after their fast build up play.
Paige Reed and Katie Harris featured alongside each other for the second consecutive game in the attacking roles once against due to absent forwards of Eaton and Tuivaiti so could make it a third if the two remain doubts.
The Stars will welcome the Rhinos to their home on Friday, March 11 with the first centre pass at 19:00.
The game is available to watch on Sky Sports YouTube.
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