Posted 9th Apr 2021

Returning Imogen Allison inspires Blue & Gold to important Vitality Superleague success in first-ever meeting with Leeds Rhinos

A strong second quarter, inspired by Imogen Allison’s impactful return from injury, set Team Bath Netball up for a 52-46 win in their first-ever Vitality Superleague meeting against Leeds Rhinos on Friday.

There was no separating the teams during a first quarter that finished locked at 10-10 but the introduction off the bench of England international Allison, who had missed the previous week’s single-goal defeat to Saracens Mavericks with an ankle knock, helped to turn the game in Team Bath’s favour.

The Haines Watts-sponsored Blue & Gold tightened up in defence and were able to open up a 25-20 lead at half-time, which they extended to 39-33 after a third quarter which saw Summer Artman also come on to good effect.

Rhinos, who are enjoying an impressive debut season in the Superleague, fought hard throughout and briefly closed the gap to three goals during the final quarter but Team Bath stepped up a gear again to snuff out the comeback threat. Watch highlights of the match here:

Player of the Match Allison said: “It was a hugely important win. We really wanted to push on [after the Mavericks game] and show everyone what we are about. Rhinos put out a tough, tough performance and it was hard but we stuck together.”

Team Bath Netball is supported by its Principal Partner, chartered accountants Haines Watts, who are also a pathway partner, and by Rengen and Centurion Chartered Financial PlannersO’Neills are Team Bath’s official kit supplier.

Match stats

Leeds Rhinos starting 7: GS Donnell Wallam, GA Rhea Dixon, WA Brie Tyler Grierson, C Jade Clarke, WD Emily Hollingworth, GD Vicky Oyesola, GK Paige Kindred. Replacements: Amelia Hall, Rosie Harris, Tuaine Keenan, Michelle Magee, Sienna Rushton.

Team Bath Netball starting 7: GS Kim Borger, GA Sophie Drakeford-Lewis, WA Rachel Shaw, C Serena Guthrie, WD Tash Pavelin, GD Layla Guscoth, GK Eboni Usoro-Brown. Replacements: Summer Artman, Imogen Allison, Abi Robson, Kirsty Harris, Betsy Creak.

Quarter scores (Leeds Rhinos first): Q1 10-10; Q2 20-25 (10-15); Q3 13-14 (33-39). Q4 13-13 (46-52).

Age Partnership Player of the Match: Imogen Allison (Team Bath Netball).

Picture credit: Ben Lumley

Other news articles

Next generation of Team Bath Netball stars looking to shine as 2023-24 NPL season begins

The 2023-24 Netball Performance League (NPL) season gets under way this weekend and Team Bath’s age-group squads are hoping to shine once again on the national stage. All of the teams achieved top-four finishes in their respective leagues last...

Read More
Blue & Gold star Jayda Pechova set for another international milestone after Vitality Roses selection for South Africa series

Team Bath Netball’s Jayda Pechova will get to experience her first home international series after being named in the Vitality Roses squad for December’s matches against South Africa. The 19-year-old defender earned her selection after impressing on her senior...

Read More
Spotlight on… Emma Barrie – Scottish shooter on leaving Glasgow for Bath, stepping outside her comfort zone and a netball hero familiar to Team Bath fans

Scotland international shooter Emma Barrie is one of the exciting additions to the Team Bath Netball squad for the 2024 Super League season. Fresh from her second World Cup, we caught up with Emma to see how she is...

Read More
Team Bath Netball Sponsors
Partners and Suppliers