Team Bath Netball come from behind to tame Birmingham Panthers and stretch NXT Gen League winning run

Team Bath Netball closed to within a point of second place in the NXT Gen League as they came from behind to secure a well-earned 58-52 away win over Birmingham Panthers on Sunday.

It was a third successive victory for the Blue & Gold, who trailed 17-14 after the first quarter at the University of Worcester Arena but levelled the scores at 30-30 going into the second half.

Inspired by a second-successive Most Valuable Player performance from goal-attack Charlotte Watts (pictured top) and some outstanding defensive pressure right across the court, Team Bath dominated the third quarter and opened up a 45-39 lead.

That proved to be the decisive break and they were able to maintain their six-goal advantage during the final period.

There was a further boost when captain Lily Jones, who had missed the previous seven matches through injury, returned from the bench and slotted back in smoothly, converting 93 per cent of her shots.

Team Bath travel to face another new franchise this coming Sunday (11th) when they take on Nottingham Forest at the Motorpoint Arena (1pm). They then return to the Team Bath Arena for their penultimate home match against table-topping Loughborough Lightning on Saturday 17th May (3pm).

Remaining tickets for that fixture and the home match against Leeds Rhinos on Sunday 15th June (3pm) can be purchased at netball.teambath.com/tickets.

Team Bath Netball are supported by Bath Building Society and Rengen Developments, who are both overall Team Bath Partners, and Bath Recreation Limited. Flyhawk supply Team Bath Netball’s performance clothing and off-court apparel.

Match stats

Birmingham Panthers starting combination: GK Caitlin O’Sullivan, GD Millie Carter, WD Sophie Shipway, C Niamh Kilgallen, WA Chloe Essam, GA Clara Miles, GS Issy Eaton. Impact players: Emma Barrie, Holly Gaiger, Alyssa Rose, Pippa Dixon, Dumebi Onichabor.

Team Bath Netball starting combination: GK Daisy Harrison, GD Scarlett Creasey, WD Ellie Ervine, C Phoebe Maslen, WA Alanna Pullen, GA Charlotte Watts, GS Katherine Mansfield. Impact players: Lottie Robinson, Poppy Tydeman, Ellen Morgan, Sienna Rutherford, Lily Jones.

Quarter scores (Team Bath second): Q1 14-17; Q2 30-30; Q3 39-45; Q4 52-58.

Most Valuable Player: Charlotte Watts.

Picture credit: Josh Le Feuvre.