Team Bath Netball push NXT Gen League leaders Lightning all the way as duo make strong return from injury

Posted 21st Mar 2026

Team Bath Netball push NXT Gen League leaders Lightning all the way as duo make strong return from injury

Team Bath Netball's Lottie Robinson shapes to pass the ball to team-mate Ellie Ervine as she is closed down by Loughborough Lightning defenders. Behind them is a stand full of spectators.

Team Bath Netball put up a fantastic fight in front of an 800-strong crowd for their latest home match against Loughborough Lightning, restricting the NXT Gen League leaders to their smallest winning margin of the season.

The visitors held a narrow lead throughout the match but were never allowed to push the score out as excellent shooting from Lucy Herdman and key turnovers from MVP Sophie Siffre kept the Blue & Gold firmly in contention.

It was a fantastic return to action for Siffre, who has missed the past five months through injury but played the full 60 minutes at GK. Mid-courter Ellie Ervine also returned after six weeks out and defender Orla Farrelly once again stepped up from the NXT Gen Development Squad to fine effect following her stellar debut against LexisNexis Dragons the previous week.

Sophie Siffre, holding a bouquet of flowers, is mobbed by her smiling team-mates after being named as MVP — MVP Sophie Siffre (left) is congratulated by her team-mates. PICTURES: Luke Minett

Team Bath Netball defender Orla Farrelly with ball in hand. Behind her is a full stand of spectators. — Orla Farrelly once again impressed after stepping up from the Development Squad

Team Bath dealt well with Lightning’s physicality and defensive pressure, and just two goals separated the sides at half-time. With the hosts converting their highest number of Super Shot attempts to date, the second half proved equally competitive but Lightning eventually saw out a 65-59 victory.

That meant Team Bath fell just shy of picking up a bonus point for being within five goals but there were once again plenty of positives to take from the performance.

Just a handful of tickets remain on sale for Team Bath’s first Saturday home fixture of the season, this weekend’s meeting with a London Mavericks outfit featuring former Blue & Gold stars Scarlett Creasey, Charlotte Watts and Hannah Passmore. Centre-pass is 3pm.

There are just two more chances to be part of the Team Bath Arena crowd after this weekend, against Leeds Rhinos on Friday 17th April (7pm) and LexisNexis Dragons on Saturday 16th May (3pm). Tickets, priced from £12 to £20, are available to purchase 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 highlights

Match stats

Team Bath Netball starting combination: GK Sophie Siffre, GD Lottie Robinson, WD Poppy Tydeman, C Becca Hinkins, WA Saskia Lea, GA Lucy Herdman, GS Lily Jones. Impact players: Lucy Button, Daisy Collett, Ellie Ervine, Orla Farrelly, Ellen Morgan.

Loughborough Lightning starting combination: GK Marlene Lange, GD Anna Fairclough, WD Anna Beauchamp, C Emily Pawlett, WA Georgie Brock-Taylor, GA Evie Watt, GS Antonia Mitchell. Impact players: Eve Abbott, Izzy Affley, Hannah Diamond, Jess Tolson, Ella Williams.

Quarter scores (Team Bath first): Q1 14-17; Q2: 33-35 (19-18); Q3 46-50 (13-15); Q4 59-65 (13-15).

Most Valuable Player: Sophie Siffre.
Opposition’s choice as player of the match: Lucy Herdman.