Reenergised Blue & Gold overcome Panthers to deservedly get first win of NXT Gen League season on the board
An excellent all-round performance ensured Team Bath Netball secured their first win of the 2026 NXT Gen League season with a 54-51 home victory over Birmingham Panthers.
It was nip and tuck throughout an absorbing evening at a sold-out Team Bath Arena, with neither side able to build a significant lead until the dying minutes when a surge of defensive pressure combined with clinical finishing in attack allowed the hosts to make a decisive break.
Victory was well earned and Team Bath will look to build on that momentum as they travel to Cardiff to face LexisNexis Dragons on Friday 13th March before entertaining reigning champions Loughborough Lightning on Friday 20th March (7pm centre-pass, click to buy tickets).
Panthers have already defeated Lightning this season, so Team Bath knew they were in for a tough contest in their first match back after a two-week break that allowed the squad to regroup and rebuild.
With mid-courter Becca Hinkins back in action after a lengthy injury rehabilitation and Saskia Lea awarded a first start of the season at GA, the starting seven had a fresh, exciting feel.
Team Bath’s attacking unit showed the composure and patience they had been searching for, working the ball effectively against a physical Panthers defence, while Daisy Harrison, Lottie Robinson and Poppy Tydeman combined superbly at the other end to create turnovers against a tall and experienced visiting attack featuring 6’5” Emma Barrie, former England Academy player Pippa Dixon and ex-Super League shooter Sophie Egbaran.
Through-court play was sharp and controlled as Team Bath, looking composed in possession, went goal for goal with their opponents. An unfortunate ankle injury to Harrison, who had been delivering a standout performance, led to Sydney Sawyers entering at GD and Robinson shifting back to GK shortly before a half-time interval that saw the hosts lead 26-25.
Momentum continued to swing both ways during the second half but, with three minutes remaining, Team Bath were able to open up a four-goal lead – one of the largest margins of the match. Despite Birmingham’s relentless physicality in the closing moments, Team Bath held firm to secure the win.
Robinson was deservedly named Most Valuable Player for an outstanding defensive performance across the full 60 minutes, her composure and leadership at the back providing stability for the team and helping generate key opportunities for the attack.
Tickets for the Loughborough game, plus the home match against London Mavericks on Saturday 28th March (3pm centre-pass), are available 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
Team Bath Netball starting combination: GK Daisy Harrison, GD Lottie Robinson, WD Poppy Tydeman, C Becca Hinkins, WA Ellen Morgan, GA Saskia Lea, GS Lily Jones. Impact players: Lucy Button, Lucy Herdman, Katherine Mansfield, Sydney Sawyers, Lowri Windsor.
Birmingham Panthers starting combination: GK Alyssa Rose, GD Caitlin O’Sullivan, WD Makeda Thomas, C Sophie Shipway, WA Tori Akinrinola, GA Pippa Dixon, GS Emma Barrie. Impact players: Sophie Egbaran, Tabi Grime, Lydia Hine, Holly Jones, Rheanna Thomas-Grant.
Quarter scores (Team Bath first): Q1 14-14; Q2 26-25 (12-11); Q3 41-41 (15-16); Q4 54-51 (13-10).
Most Valuable Player: Lottie Robinson.
