Severn Stars’ head coach Melissa Bessell “over the moon” for young star Issy Eaton during her side’s heavy Vitality Netball SuperLeague defeat to Wasps, 53-27, on Monday night.

Eaton, 16, came on in the second-half and Bessell expressed her delight at her performance.

She said: “I’m really pleased with our start. I thought we did really well, and I think moving forward and looking at that game

“I am over the moon with Issy Eaton. She’s only 16! She played against Josie who got Player of the Match.

“For a young 16-year-old who was very nervous, I am so proud of her. I’ll take the first quarter.”

Stars took on fourth placed Wasps hoping for a positive result after defeat against Strathclyde Sirens the day before.

But after an even start at London’s Copper Box Arena, Wasps picked up on Stars’ unforced errors in the second quarter, taking their lead all the way to the end.

The first quarter was initiated by Wasps, who took their centre pass straight to goal, but Stars retaliated after brilliant link-up play between goal attack Paige Reed and wing attack Liana Leota on the circle edge.

The rest of the quarter saw similar play and all four shooters score some brilliant goals, however, both teams displayed scrappy moments, which eventually led to Wasps picking up the pace and taking the lead 12-9.

Wasps displayed their finesse in the second quarter and Stars’ unforced errors were easy to score from.

Despite Stars defenders Lucy Herdman and Dee Bolakoro being body on body with Rachel Dunn and Katie Harris, the Wasps shooters were formidable in the sinking of long bombs and under the post shots, finishing the quarter 24-12 ahead.

Young-gun Issy Eaton then entered the court for Stars and her determination was second to none, sinking her first shot from just inside the circle. Stars’ defence increased the pressure, with Herdman trying to keep Dunn high in the circle, out of her shooting comfort zone, but she managed to get under the post to score yet another goal

Stars’ defence increased the pressure, with Herdman trying to keep Dunn high in the circle, out of her shooting comfort zone, but she managed to get under the post to score yet another goal.

There were improved passages of play from Stars, but Wasps extended their lead, 37-21.

In the final quarter, Stars wanted to finish the game in style and did. With no-look passes and overhead balls from the centre third, the team demonstrated its quality, despite the score. Eaton’s holding on Hannah Leighton meant she could receive high balls from Leota, which she then put through the net with ease

Wasps did keep their foot on the throttle and continued to show their class as they ran away with it to finish with 53 points to Stars’ 27.