Derby day for Blue & Gold’s NPL stars as U19s and U21s welcome Severn Stars to Team Bath Arena for rearranged games

Team Bath Netball’s U19 and U21 NPL squads will be back in front of their home supporters tonight (Monday, March 18) when they entertain local rivals Severn Stars in rearranged games at the Team Bath Arena.

The U19s are first up at 5.30pm, followed by the U21s at 7.30pm. Entry is free but spectator space is limited and on a first come, first served basis.

The Blue & Gold U21s, coached by Nikki Lloyd and Lois Rideout, are looking for a positive response after a couple of challenging matches and results against Manchester Thunder and London Pulse.

“We had a strong start against Thunder, going goal for goal with the visitors for the first 12 minutes, and I was really pleased with the team’s intensity and commitment to sticking to our game plan,” said Nikki. “Unfortunately, a couple of minutes of a dip in our own play and a strong performance from the visitors meant we were seven down at the break.

“The players have proven they have the determination to respond in the second quarter and this was no different. At times we led the way and the reward was a closer score of 12-13 for the quarter.

“Unfortunately a couple of runs of five or six goals against us enabled Thunder to build momentum in the second half but we continued to challenge for every ball and it was great to expose more players to this competition.

“It was a similar picture against league newcomers Pulse at Crystal Palace last weekend. We were slow off the mark and the hosts were able to find their target shooter efficiently in the opening minutes.

“As the game continued the squad worked tirelessly to slow Pulse and be more clinical in possession. Hannah Passmore, who stepped up to captain along with Anya Le Monnier, was up against a tough defence but she showed great leadership and worked hard to free herself, keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

“We know we have yet to consistently find the form across four quarters that will allow us to fulfil the potential this talented group is capable of and the focus continues to be on putting out a full 60-minute performance.

“We are super excited for the game against Stars and would love to see lots of support from the Blue & Gold faithful – entry is free so come along and support these young stars!”