The Hatfield roar guided Saracens Mavericks to a first victory in the 2024 Netball Superleague.

Played in front of a sold out crowd at the Hertfordshire Sports Village, the Mavericks backed up last week's opening draw with Cardiff Dragons to claim a 53-44 success against Leeds Rhinos.

And while the people in the stands provided the vocal backing, the performance of Emma Thacker on court inspired the win.

While they ended every quarter ahead, it was in the more edgier moments of the match that Camilla Buchanan's side were able to make big interceptions, quick runs and great decisions, ultimately making the difference.

With an unchanged line-up from game week one, it was clear that the head coach has faith in her players and when Thacker landed the first Mavs goal at HSV this season, the crowd let everyone know that they are fully behind the girls too.

An early turnover saw Mavericks race ahead and from then on the confidence and accuracy seemed to get even better from Thacker.

They ended the first 15 minutes ahead by four and the second quarter started just as well, with Ellie Rattu and Georgia Lees working the ball up the court to allow the shooters to do what they do best.

Mavs were impressing in defence too, with Vicki Oyesola continuing her fine form at the start of the season.

The defender was blocking, intercepting and generally causing issues for the opposition throughout, her former club.

The second quarter ended with a Rothwell goal with just five seconds on the clock, after a brilliant bit of time management to get the ball up the court quickly.

That was something that some had questioned one week earlier.

Leeds began better after the interval and narrowed the gap to just one, but the Mavericks kept their focus and stuck to their game plan.

Razia Quashie and Oyesola did enough to put Rhinos’ shooters off their rhythm and prevent the away side from making it all square.

In another on the whistle moment, Thacker netted with less than 20 seconds to give the home side a two-goal lead with just 15 minutes left.

 

Jodie Gibson picked off some fine interceptions to keep the Mavs on the front foot and the rest of her team followed suit.

 

And with the home crowd cheering, chanting and whistling them on, Mavs kept their cool when it mattered most, ensuring they came out with a win.

There was praise in some quarters for Kira Rothwell, who supported Thacker in attack beautifully, finding pockets of space and scoring with style when Thacker was being double marked at times.

The shooting duo were in inspired form, especially considering they were playing against one of the most experienced keepers in the world in Geva Mentor.

Rothwell had acknowledged the home crowd's importance prior to the game.

She said: "I’m so excited to be back at home. Alongside playing at the big arenas, home games at HSV are always up there as my favourites because of the amazing crowd and fan engagement that we get."

Mavericks take on old sparring partners Surrey Storm next for their first true away game of the season.