Blue & Gold suffer extra-time reverse at Nottingham Forest after yet another closely-fought NXT Gen League contest

Team Bath Netball went to extra-time for the second time this NXT Gen League season but were unable to secure the win on this occasion as they narrowly lost 58-56 at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

It was a frustrating conclusion to a match that had started incredibly positively for the Blue & Gold, who raced into a 7-0 lead inside the first five minutes. They went on to win the first quarter 17-11 but Forest began to work their way back into the contest and the visitors’ lead was cut to 29-26 by half-time.

Sienna Rutherford (pictured) came on at WA midway through the second quarter and had a really positive impact, while captain Lily Jones converted 46 of her 48 shots, but errors began to creep into Team Bath’s game and Forest capitalised to draw level at 41-41.

The teams continued to go goal for goal in a tense final quarter and there was no separating them at the buzzer, the scores locked at 54-54. That meant extra-time was needed and while Team Bath had come out on top against London Mavericks last month, this time it was Forest who managed to force the required two-goal gap as they won 58-56.

Goal-keeper Daisy Harrison was named Most Valuable Player for Team Bath, who are back in front of their home fans on Saturday 17th May for an eagerly-awaited challenge against table-topping Loughborough Lightning (3pm).

They are also at the Team Bath Arena for the last match of the season on Sunday 15th June, against Leeds Rhinos, and tickets 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

Nottingham Forest starting combination: GK Anna Fairclough, GD Annabel Roddy, WD Corey McGlynn, C Katie Rayner, WA Millie Jacklin-Chatha, GA Regan Peters, GS Amy Braithwaite. Impact players: Ruby Parker, Lily Smith, Emma Love, Rihanna Luke, Kelechi Ambros.

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

Quarter scores (Team Bath second): Q1 11-17; Q2 26-29; Q3 41-41; Q4 54-54; ET 58-56.

Most Valuable Player: Daisy Harrison.