SEVERN Stars could not make it four wins in a row as they lost 53-42 to Team Bath in the Vitality Netball Superleague.

The hosts made five starting changes from their win over leaders Manchester Thunder the previous Saturday with several players suffering from illness.

A well-drilled Bath side came out firing at the University of Gloucestershire Sports Arena and took a 17-12 lead in the first quarter.

Goal defence Sam Cook and goal keeper Leah Kennedy did their best but the Somerset visitors extended their lead early into the second quarter to 22-12.

Shots from Georgia Rowe and Maryka Holtzhausen went close while a few long passes from home player of the match Ella Powell-Davies thrilled a sell-out crowd.

However, Bath kept their cool and increased their lead to 34-22 at half-time.

Stars made five substitutions but Bath were patient in attack against a tight defensive unit.

The home side fought hard only to be frustrated at times in their bid to break through in the final third and Bath opened up a 46-27 lead at the end of the third quarter.

But a run of five goals for Stars opened up the last quarter as Bath failed to trouble the scoreboard for five minutes.

Stars began to show more composure, gained in confidence and Bath missed several shots to cut their lead.

Bath made several changes at 51-36 and Stars fought back to bring the final score to within 11 points.

Stars head coach Sam Bird said: “Although we lost to Bath we pushed them to the end and finished strongly.

"We have had extra challenges with several players being unable to play through illness and injury and a few that played when feeling poorly.

"All 10 players contributed well to a competitive match and I’m pleased that we put some strong connections out on court with lots to be positive about.

"It was a fantastic home crowd again and well done to Ella for being awarded player of the match.”