Team Bath Netball celebrate reaching British Fast5 All-Stars Championship Final for second consecutive year
Team Bath Netball should be proud of their performance as they defended their crown at the British Fast5 All-Stars Championship on Friday 16th June at London’s Copper Box Arena, achieving back-to-back finals.
The Haines Watts-sponsored Blue & Gold squad comprised nine players who had featured in the Super League this season, while it was the first senior Team Bath call-up for Ellen Morgan. The team came out all guns blazing and produced some fearless play to take the opening match against Surrey Storm 23-16. Next up, Team Bath faced Manchester Thunder in a real nail-biter, which saw the Blue & Gold hold their nerve to clinch the win in the dying moments, 29-26. After two wins, the team had some pressure taken off in the knowledge they were through to the final four without having to play an extra match.
Team Bath, who are also supported by Rengen, provided plenty of entertainment throughout the action-packed evening for the spectators watching live in the Copper Box Arena, and live on Sky Sports.
Photo Credit: Mark Harris
The Semi-final against Leeds Rhinos showcased the defending champions’ fine form. With the final in their sights, Team Bath stormed through and, after a vital 10-pointer was scored during power play, the Rhinos could not force a come back and the 37-19 win secured Team Bath a place in the final.
Up against Manchester Thunder for the second time in the Championship, MVP Gabby Sinclair showcased why she was one of the stars and Thunder racked up the points during normal play and power play to overcome Team Bath 51-9 to take the title.
Head Coach Asha Francis commented “This was a whole squad effort; everyone contributed to our success. Rotating the players every game meant that training associate Ellen Morgan also played for the first time at this level, and it was brilliant to see how she played with such composure under pressure and for her to have the opportunity in this environment.
“The energy and determination of each individual was impressive. Unfortunately our luck ran out in the final, however, this was a great way to celebrate the end of the season and for the girls to enjoy success and positivity in the way they played.
‘’It’s time for a well-earned rest now before we go again next season!’’
Team Bath Netball Fast5 squad: Lily-May Catling, Kadeen Corbin, Betsy Creak, Kirsty Harris, Sophie Kelly, Phoebe Maslen, Ellen Morgan, Caroline Mtukule, Hannah Passmore, Jayda Pechova.
Team Bath Netball is supported by its Principal and Pathway Partner, chartered accountants Haines Watts; Bath Building Society and Rengen Developments, who are overall Team Bath Partners; Centurion Chartered Financial Planners; Ecus Ltd, our environment partner; and PDS Coaching, who provide performance mentoring. Team Bath’s suppliers include O’Neills and 2XU.
