Can Northumbria Take Sting Out Of Wasps?

​TeAroha Keenan has called for a final flourish from Team Northumbria as reigning champions Wasps visit Tyneside this weekend.

Last season’s Superleague winners are strong favourites to retain their title after setting the pace throughout 2018.

But TN have nothing to lose in a match that brings down the curtain on another frustrating campaign for the Sport Central club.

“I’d like to see my players rise to the occasion, get some good netball going through the court and challenge in the circle,” said Keenan.

“If we can do that against a side like Wasps that would be a great end to the season.

“We’ll have to dig deep but we’re at home with our fans behind us.

“Last time out against Wasps Hayley Mulheron was sent off and we had a lot of things going on.

“But I’m looking for one last effort from the girls against one of the best teams in Britain.

“It’s been a long season and it’s taken its toll on some of the players. But everyone wants to sign off with a strong performance.”

TN endured a second half to forget at a rejuvenated Severn Stars in the final away fixture of 2018.

Despite a battling second quarter, the visitors suffered a third period collapse and slipped to a dispiriting 63-33 loss.

“We weren’t too far away in the first half and trimmed their lead to just four in the second period,” added Keenan.

“But overall we just didn’t find any flow. I think there was a hangover from the one-goal defeat to Surrey the previous weekend – we just couldn’t find any rhythm.

“Player for player Stars have a stronger roster and they have something we don’t which is plenty of England experience in their camp.

“They’ve been coming on strong for the last few weeks and we always knew it would be tough to get anything at their place.”

TN welcome Wasps to Sport Central on Saturday (6pm centre pass) with the club urging home fans to show their support by wearing red.

The #rockyourred themed night will involve pre-match entertainment, competitions and more. Tickets are still on sale from Sport Central reception and via www.northumbriasport.com