Massive year ahead for Team Bath and England star as Imogen Allison is confirmed in 2022 Superleague squad and handed Fast5 captain’s armband
Another Vitality Superleague title tilt, the prospect of competing at a home Commonwealth Games and the chance to captain the club she has proudly represented since 2016 – it is shaping up to be a massive 12 months for Team Bath and England Netball star Imogen Allison.
Fresh from helping the Roses to a historic series victory in New Zealand, the tenacious wing-defence and centre is today confirmed in the Haines Watts-sponsored Blue & Gold’s Superleague squad for 2022 and as Team Bath’s captain for this month’s British Fast5 All-Stars Tournament.
University of Bath graduate Allison has become a pivotal figure in Team Bath’s starting seven, with her all-action contribution epitomised by her phenomenal performance against Manchester Thunder in last season’s semi-final. The Blue & Gold, also supported by Rengen, missed out in the Grand Final but Allison believes that setback will spur the side on when the new season begins in February.
“I’m so excited going into 2022, it’s such an important year for us,” she said. “After finishing second last year, we all want to come together again and push for that trophy. We’ve grown really well as a team over the years and got closer and closer to the title. We’ve got everything we need to get on the same page, get those connections going again during pre-season and hit the ground running.
“Setbacks are always super-important in sport. You are disappointed at the time but that comes with learning. You have to see what you can take from that experience and I think that will really help us next season.
“This squad is looking great. We’ve been able to keep a core group but added in young Academy players like Molly Hole and Lily Jones, they will be a great addition to the squad, and we’re also bringing Lily-May Catling across from Australia. She will bring something fresh and I’m really excited to see what the group can do.”
Before focus turns fully to the Superleague, Team Bath’s players are looking forward to getting back into the swing of things at the British Fast5 All-Stars Championships, being played at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday 30th October.
Allison, who has previously captained Team Bath in a Superleague win at Strathclyde Sirens, says she is proud to have been handed the armband by Head Coach Anna Stembridge for the fast-paced tournament.
“I love being in a leadership role and I’m really grateful to have been given this responsibility by Anna,” she said. “Fast5 is super exciting and such a great day, you go with the flow and have fun. I love the format.”
Allison is also looking forward to returning to the Team Bath Arena in the new year, with Superleague matches moving back to a home and away format for 2022.
“We’ve definitely missed home matches, they are always incredible at Bath,” she said. “It is always such a loud crowd and they help us push on as the eighth player on that court.”
A huge year of netball concludes with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games where England will be looking to defend the title they won for a first-ever time in 2018. Allison is part of the Roses squad again this season and helped them claim a historic 2-1 victory over World Champions New Zealand last month.
“I love going to New Zealand, it’s where I’ve got all of my caps so far!” she laughed. “The recent tour was such a special one and it was a great experience to build on what happened last time I was there.
“Winning the series with such a great team was so amazing for us to experience and take confidence from going towards the Commonwealth Games. It’s so important that we have the feel of beating teams like New Zealand.”
Tickets for the 2022 Superleague season will go on sale later this month. Visit netball.teambath.com/tickets for more information.
Tickets are also on sale for the Fast5 Championships, with the rest of the Team Bath squad to be announced shortly. Visit www.fast5allstars.com for further details.
