Hertfordshire Mavericks 53, Celtic Dragons 49

Celtic Dragons produced another spirited team performance and fought out a fiercely contested Vitality Superleague Netball match in Hertfordshire.

The visitors led early on, while the teams were locked at 18-18 and later 41-41 in a fast and dramatic match.

Home shooter Sophia Hankin produced some top quality work with 93 per cent scoring record.

Dragons’ starting seven were Kelly Morgan, Lois Rideout, Stacey Peeters, Kyra Jones, Bethan Dyke, Kalifa McCollin and Eleanor Roberts.

The arena was sold out and the teams each produced outstanding netball. Jones, Dyke, Roberts and McCollin combined in some flowing moments which stretched the home team.

“The team spirit within our group is inspiring”, said one tweet from the Dragons as they fought to earn the win they need.

Quarter scores (Mavericks first): 11-11; 15-10 (26-21); 12-14 (38-35); 15-14 (53-49).

Dragons play Surrey Storm in their next fixture, while they return to their home venue at Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff for their series of home fixtures starting on Monday, April 3 against Loughborough Lightning.

This match will celebrate the Green Army supporters and fans who wear green at the match will receive a free programme.

Tickets for all home games can be found at celticdragonsnetball.com

Vitality Superleague results: Severn Stars 44, Wasps 65; Hertfordshire Mavericks 53, Celtic Dragons 49; Loughborough Lightning 66, Sirens 51.

Fixtures coming up:

Monday: Team Northumbria v Manchester Thunder, Team Bath v Surrey Storm.

Friday: Team Bath v Team Northumbria, Wasps v Manchester Thunder.

Saturday: Surrey Storm v Celtic Dragons, Hertfordshire Mavericks v Loughborough Lightning, Severn Stars v Sirens.

Celtic Dragons 2017

Vitality Netball Superleague – remaining fixtures

All home matches played at Sport Wales Centre, Cardiff

March

Saturday 25: Surrey Storm v Dragons (7pm)

April

Monday 3: Dragons v Loughborough Lightning (7.45pm)

Friday 7 : Wasps v Dragons (8pm)

Monday 10: Dragons v Sirens, Scotland (7.45pm, live on Sky)

Monday 17: Dragons v Severn Stars (7pm)

Saturday 22: Team Bath v Dragons (5pm)

Saturday 29: Dragons v Manchester Thunder (4pm)

May

Monday 1: Dragons v Herts Mavericks (4pm)

Friday 5: Team Northumbria v Dragons (7.45pm)

Monday 15: Dragons v Surrey Storm (7pm)

Saturday 20: Loughborough Lightning v Dragons (6pm)

Sunday 27: Dragons v Wasps (4pm)

June

Saturday 3: Dragons v Team Northumbria (4pm)

Saturday 10: Play-offs semi-finals

Sunday 11: Play-offs finals