Mia Ritchie confident of positive Team Bath Netball reaction ahead of Northumbria Superleague match

Mid-courter Mia Ritchie believes Team Bath Netball will come back stronger from their Vitality Netball Superleague defeat to Manchester Thunder.

Team Bath – backed by Carter Jonas – go into this Friday’s home match against Team Northumbria (7.45pm) looking to bounce back immediately from the 62-37 reverse to an impressive Thunder outfit.

That was the first major setback for the new-look Team Bath squad, who were beaten just twice during pre-season and had won their opening two matches of the Superleague campaign.

And Ritchie, who celebrates her 26th birthday today (Wednesday), says it is important to remember that this group is still developing, with defeats – and the way the players respond to them – all part of the learning curve.

“We as a team were disappointed with the result and performance against Thunder but we are sure going to right the wrongs this week,” said Ritchie, who is sponsored by Sea Talk Systems Ltd.

“We expect so much from each other but we can’t forget that this team has only had a matter of months together to prepare for the challenge ahead.

“We know we can’t make any excuses for the result last Friday but we are only just heading into the fourth round of fixtures.

“Sometimes when you face a loss it defines you as a person or team and this is now about how we move on and make sure we learn from our mistakes going into the Northumbria game.”

Team Northumbria will arrive at the University of Bath Sports Training Village looking for their first win of the season after a tough start.

They have lost to the top three teams in the table – Thunder, Surrey Storm and Hertfordshire Mavericks – but can boast Jamaican internationals Shanice Beckford and Nicole Dixon among their ranks, as well as vastly-experienced shooter Lynsey Armitage.

Friday’s match will be preceded by an exclusive coaching masterclass from Team Bath Netball Head Coach Anna Stembridge and Director of Netball Jess Thirlby, plus Emily Perry and Leanne Lewis. It is taking place from 6-7pm and is open to ticket holders only

Tickets for the Northumbria game, as well as the other remaining home fixtures, are available by clicking here or by calling 0844 888 4412.