The Netball Super League returned to Hertfordshire in spectacular fashion as Mavericks opened their campaign in front of a home sell-out crowd at the Herts Sports Village. What followed was a breathless, edge-of-the-seat contest that went down to the final seconds.
The opening 15 minutes delivered nothing but intensity. Both sides went toe-to-toe from the first centre pass, neither willing to concede an inch. Suzie Liverseidge wasted no time stamping her authority on the contest, producing a spectacular overhead feed to find George Inger in the opening exchanges.
Jamie Golob made her NSL debut in Mavericks colours, showing composure beyond her years and signalling her intent for the 2026 season with a confident performance. The crowd barely had time to settle as momentum swung repeatedly, with just a single point separating the sides throughout.
Q1: 13–13
The second quarter saw Mavericks begin to assert control. Relentless defensive hustle across the court created crucial turnover ball and injected fresh momentum into the home side. The pressure translated into sharper attacking movement and a renewed look inside the shooting circle.
With greater patience in build-up and intensity in defence, Mavericks edged ahead to create valuable breathing space heading into the main break.
HT: Mavericks 30–25
The second half raised the temperature even further. Emily Andrew entered the court to add attacking flair and provide a super shot threat, stretching the defence and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
It became a fiercely physical contest across all thirds, neither side willing to back down. Despite Mavericks maintaining their advantage, the visitors clawed their way back into the contest through the influence of midcourter Niamh Cooper, who began to dictate tempo and drive her side forward.
The final quarter was netball at its most dramatic. Momentum shifted repeatedly, with both teams trading crucial blows. A pivotal turnover from Forest, trailing by two with a centre pass to come, momentarily handed Mavericks control — but the visitors refused to go quietly.
With minutes remaining and Mavericks suddenly six goals adrift, the pressure was immense. Sharp movement from Izzi Phillips created space for Emma Thacker, who coolly slotted back-to-back super shots to haul Mavericks back into contention.
With less than a minute to play and the scores tied, the HSV crowd rose as one, roaring their side forward in a deafening show of support. It felt destined for a Mavericks finish — until heartbreak struck.
A last-second goal from Rolene Streutker handed Forest the narrowest of victories in the dying moments, silencing the arena and sealing a dramatic opening-night defeat.
FT: Mavericks 59–60 Forest
Despite the result, the performance showed resilience, fight and attacking promise in front of a passionate home crowd. Attention now turns to Round 2 as Mavericks travel up country to face Manchester Thunder next week, determined to build on a performance that deserved so much more.