Team Bath Netball entertain Nottingham Forest this Friday (30th), determined to build on the promise shown during their 2026 NXT Gen League season opener against London Pulse.
The Blue & Gold were beaten 57-47 at the Team Bath Arena but played well in defeat and gave valuable court time to 11 players, including three debutants – Lucy Herdman, Saskia Lea and Sydney Sawyers.
The latter was voted as player of the match by Pulse for her immense defensive effort, shutting down the visiting GA who had been a key threat at post, while another impact player, centre Lucy Button, took the Most Valuable Player accolade in recognition of her relentless work rate in attack and hustle in defence.
Team Bath knew they were in for a tough contest against a Pulse outfit boosted by the addition of former Blue & Gold Super League and NXT Gen centre Phoebe Maslen to their ranks.
The opening quarter saw both sides take time to settle but Pulse, after converting the first-ever NXT Gen super shot, were able to build confidence and establish a 17-11 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The introduction of Sawyers, who combined effectively with vice-captain Lottie Robinson in defence, and Daisy Collett, who added speed and creativity at GA, brought fresh energy for Team Bath in the second quarter of a match sponsored by Hengistbury.
However, a lack of composure and uncharacteristic inaccuracies in the attacking third prevented the hosts from fully capitalising, allowing Pulse to maintain their flow and extend their lead to 31-21 at the interval.
The second half marked a noticeable improvement from Team Bath as Button’s introduction at centre lifted the intensity and cohesion through the mid-court. Lily Jones also returned at GS and the attacking unit began to play with greater freedom and confidence.
With Lea also taking to the court for her NXT Gen debut, Team Bath’s attack continued to grow in confidence and there were several momentum swings. At one stage the margin was reduced to six but Pulse’s composure and clinical accuracy ultimately proved decisive.
Team Bath will be eager to come out firing when they face Forest in their next home match, which is being sponsored by Sporting Sheroes (7pm centre-pass). Just a handful of tickets remain for the Forest fixture but they are available for the six other matches being played at the Team Bath Arena this year. Visit netball.teambath.com/tickets for further details.
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
