Well-earned win for Blue & Gold U21s as South West NPL derbies against Severn Stars live up to expectations

Team Bath Netball’s U21s got back to winning ways when they beat South West rivals Severn Stars on a double derby day at the University of Bath Sports Training Village on Monday.

A strong Blue & Gold starting seven, which included Superleague players Leila Thomas, Hannah Passmore and captain Abi Robson, got off to a fast and determined start as they opened up a 14-8 lead before Stars closed the gap to 19-15 at the end of the first quarter.

Stars kept snapping at Team Bath’s heels in the early stages of the second period but strong defending from the hosts secured plenty of turnover ball and they took full advantage to extend their lead to 33-23 at half-time.

The Blue & Gold continued to pull away during the third period and, with a commanding 51-34 lead behind them, coaches Nikki Lloyd and Lois Rideout were able to make a number of changes in the final quarter.

All of the players introduced from the bench made a good impact as Team Bath went on to record an excellent 67-46 victory over determined opposition.

It was the second match between Team Bath and Severn Stars to be played on that day, with the U19s first up on court.

There was little to choose between the teams during an evenly-contested first half that finished with the visitors holding a narrow 21-19 lead.

Clinical Stars were able to pull clear in the third quarter of a feisty and physical game but Team Bath battled right until the end and, despite the 45-35 defeat, could take a lot of positives from their performance.

The U19s are back in action on Saturday, March 23 when they play host to Leeds Rhinos at Badminton School in Bristol (1.30pm centre-pass).

It is the turn of Team Bath’s Superleague squad to take on Severn Stars next Monday (March 25) in their rearranged fixture – click here to buy tickets.