A tremendous all-round performance saw Team Bath Netball inflict only a second defeat of the NXT Gen League season on table-topping Loughborough Lightning after an epic contest that gripped another capacity crowd at the Team Bath Arena.
The Blue & Gold shrugged off the disappointment of seeing a big early lead overturned as they went toe to toe with the title favourites, eventually coming out on top 52-50 after going to extra-time for the third time in four matches.
Photo: Josh Le Feuvre
Team Bath were fired up for a Saturday showdown with their old rivals and, spearheaded by captain Lily Jones – who was on the bench as a temporary injury replacement for Manchester Thunder in Sunday’s Super League victory over Birmingham Panthers – they raced into a 16-10 lead after the first quarter.
Lightning, who featured former Team Bath Super League player Molly Hole in defence, had recorded a big victory in the reverse fixture and gradually worked their way back into the contest, cutting the deficit to 26-25 at half-time.
A fiercely-contested second half continued in the same vein, with Team Bath maintaining a narrow 38-37 lead after the third quarter before the 60-minute buzzer went with the teams locked at 48-48.
That meant extra-time again and, with a vocal crowd roaring them on, it was Team Bath who managed to force the required two-goal margin, Alanna Pullen netting the decisive goal to spark big celebrations.
Goal-keeper Scarlett Creasey was named as Team Bath’s Most Valuable Player and was presented with a bouquet from Flowers of Bath by Stephen Baddeley, Director of Sport at the University of Bath.
Third-placed Team Bath now face two crucial away trips, to second-placed London Pulse on Saturday 24th May and Manchester Thunder on Friday 30th May, before concluding their season with a home match against fellow high-flyers Leeds Rhinos.
That game, on Sunday 15th June, is part of The Big #BlueAndGold Bash – a day celebrating Team Bath’s players, pathway, region and fans. As well as the centrepiece match at 3pm, there will be an U15 curtain-raiser at 12.45pm against Rhinos plus on-court award presentations for six of Team Bath’s age-group squads, from U17 through to NXT Gen.
Photo: Josh Le Feuvre
There will also be a fan zone with autograph and selfie opportunities, shooting competitions and much more, with all activities included in the Rhinos NXT Gen match ticket. Visit netball.teambath.com/tickets to purchase.
Lisa Pagett, Team Bath Netball Manager, said: “It is fitting the celebration is taking place on 15th June as that marks one year since our last Super League fixture. There was plenty of uncertainty at the time surrounding netball, not just at Team Bath but across the South West, but the past 12 months have shown the passion, support and love for our sport right across the region is stronger than ever.
“We’ve had a record number of applications for our pathway over the past year and some 300 netballers have benefitted from the expert guidance, on and off court, of our excellent coaches and support staff.
“It was important we ensured the fans could join in the celebrations too. They have really thrown their support behind us this year, particularly our NXT Gen League fixtures where tickets have been snapped up, and that incredible backing has ensured Team Bath Netball remain impossible to ignore.”
Team Bath Netball are supported by Bath Building Society and Rengen Developments, who are both overall Team Bath Partners, and Bath Recreation Limited. Flyhawk supply Team Bath Netball’s performance clothing and off-court apparel.
With thanks to Team Bath
