Team Bath Netball denied by Manchester Thunder fightback in thrilling first NXT Gen League home match in Bristol
Team Bath Netball’s first NXT Gen League match in Bristol proved to be a thriller as they were edged out by a single goal by Manchester Thunder at Clifton College.
A vocal crowd at the Chellaram Sports Complex saw the Blue & Gold race into a 15-9 lead after the first quarter before Thunder – who featured Jade Clarke, England’s most-capped player, in their ranks – cut the half-time deficit to 26-25.
Defences were on top in a tightly-fought third quarter which finished all square at 37-37, setting up a nail-biting final 15 minutes which saw Thunder edge ahead for the first time but it remained neck and neck going into the dying seconds.
Having won by a single goal in their previous match at London Mavericks, Team Bath found themselves on the other end as they were pipped 50-49 after running out of time to convert their last centre-pass, Thunder’s winner coming with just seven seconds remaining.
Shooter Katherine Mansfield was named as Most Valuable Player for Team Bath, who take on Leeds Rhinos at the First Direct Arena on Saturday 29th March (1.30pm) before returning to the Team Bath Arena on Friday 4th April to face Birmingham Panthers (7pm). Click here to purchase tickets.
Panthers are a new franchise and called up Team Bath and England U21 mid-courter Phoebe Maslen as a temporary replacement player for their debut Super League home match against Thunder over the weekend.
Team Bath Netball are supported by Bath Building Society and Rengen Developments, who are both overall Team Bath Partners, and Bath Recreation Limited, who have recently committed to a three-year partnership. Flyhawk supply Team Bath Netball’s performance clothing and off-court apparel.
Match stats
Team Bath Netball starting combination: GK Scarlett Creasey, GD Poppy Tydeman, WD Ellie Ervine, C Ellen Morgan, WA Alanna Pullen, GA Charlotte Watts, GS Katherine Mansfield. Impact players: Lottie Robinson, Dani Carr, Becca Hinkins, Sienna Rutherford, Sophie Siffre.
Manchester Thunder starting combination: GK Gemma Lant, GD Tami Fapohunda, WD Alice McGeachy, C Rachel Towell, WA Ellie Heyes, GA Shannon Malik, GS Niamh Trainer. Impact players: Jade Clarke, Maisie Rogers, Claudia Seed, Sophia Warn.
Quarter scores (Team Bath first): Q1 15-9; Q2 27-26; Q3 37-37; Q4 49-50.
Most Valuable Player (supported by Flowers of Bath): Katherine Mansfield.
