There was plenty for Saracens Mavericks' head coach Camilla Buchanan to be proud of despite just one win from their two Netball Superleague games over the bank holiday weekend.

The Mavs grafted to a 59-54 success away to Celtic Dragons on Friday before returning to their Hatfield home on Monday, where they impressed in the second half of a 62-50 loss to second-placed Loughborough Lightning.

And the boss felt that large chunks of the combined eight quarters showed they are definitely moving in the right direction in what was always going to be a transitional season.

The game in Wales was tight all the way through, with Sarries behind after the first quarter and then only ever a couple of points in front at each interval.

Back in Hertfordshire, they suffered a first-half mauling, trailing 20-8 after the opening 15 minutes and by 23 points at half-time.

They won the second period though, 31-20, and while Buchanan concedes there is still work to do in the ongoing building of the team, she is positive about how they are growing together.

"Dragons was a massive win," she said. "There were lots of components of that game that we’ve been working on but haven’t been able to put on court.

"They really came to light. We made hard work of it but it was an important win.

"Individually we’ve got to look at some accountability and character. It takes time [to refine performance] but we’re on the right trajectory.

"I couldn’t be prouder of the way we adjusted against Loughborough. I'm really, really happy with how they responded."

One of the stars of both games was England GB goalkeeper Razia Quashie, who has come back from injury with a bang.

Buchanan said: "I was so pleased with some of the individuals out there for stepping up and taking the lead in crucial moments.

"It gave the group time to reset and get back up to speed again.

"Raz really owned that circle. She is a winner and a real champion.

"When you need something pulled out the bag, she does.

"Sometimes it’s just her sheer one-on-one brilliance that does the job. She’s a real asset."

The player herself, awarded player of the match, lamented the poor start but praised some hairdryer treatment for triggering a response.

She said: "We didn’t come out firing and then we got told off.

"But we then picked it up for ourselves and wanted to contest in the second half."

Another player to earn praise from the boss after the game against Loughborough was shooter Britney Clarke, who played the full 60 minutes.

"She was outstanding," said Buchanan. "Her availability, her timing and her composure in that circle, especially considering she’s not had many minutes this season.

"I couldn’t be prouder of that kid."

The results mean Mavericks are still sixth in the table, 15 points behind the top four.

They face Strathclyde Sirens at the Hertfordshire Sports Village on Saturday in their penultimate home game of the season.

That starts at 3pm.