Forest thriller sees Team Bath Netball battle back from early deficit before being edged out in extra-time of NXT Gen cracker
A thrilling comeback narrowly came up short as Team Bath Netball were edged out in extra-time of a pulsating, high-scoring NXT Gen League showdown against Nottingham Forest.
The Team Bath Arena was rocking as a capacity crowd roared the home team back from an early deficit to finish four fantastic quarters of entertainment level at 60-60.
The teams continued to trade blows during an epic extra-time but it was Forest who finally managed to open up the required three-goal gap, Lily Smith landing a two-point super shot to clinch a 68-65 success for the visitors.
It was a second successive home defeat for Team Bath but they will take huge credit and belief from the way they chased down their opponents after a tough first quarter, which saw them trail 20-11.
They went on to win the other three quarters, lifted by the introduction of wing-attack Saskia Lea (pictured top) who – in just her second NXT Gen League appearance – went on to win the Most Valuable Player award with an assured and composed performance.
Daisy Harrison, the opposition’s choice as player of the match, also came on at GK for the second quarter, with Lottie Robinson moving to GD, and Lucy Herdman was injected into the attacking end as Team Bath closed the half-time gap to 32-25.
The third quarter marked a clear shift in momentum as Team Bath continued to build cohesion across the court. Harrison, supported by Robinson and Poppy Tydeman, began to force uncharacteristic errors from what had been a highly-clinical Forest attack and the visitors’ lead was now just 45-42.
The introduction of shooter Katherine Mansfield for the fourth period provided a further lift and the home crowd rose to the moment, driving a loud and electric atmosphere as the contest reached its peak. With 30 seconds remaining, Bath had possession from the centre pass at 60-60 and the chance to snatch victory but a wayward pass saw the match go into extra-time.
No strangers to that pressure after several extended contests last season, Team Bath showed resilience but after a tense seven-minute period of missed opportunities and unconverted turnovers, it was Forest—more accurate throughout the super shot period—who edged the contest.
Being level at the end of regulation time meant Team Bath picked up a bonus point from the match, which was sponsored by Sporting Sheroes.
Next up is their first away fixture of the 2026 season, a trip to Yorkshire to face Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 7th February (2pm), before they return to the Team Bath Arena on Friday 13th February to take on Manchester Thunder. Centre-pass is 7pm 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
Team Bath Netball starting combination: GK Lottie Robinson, GD Sydney Sawyers, WD Poppy Tydeman, C Ellie Ervine, WA Ellen Morgan, GA Daisy Collett, GS Lily Jones. Impact players: Lucy Button, Daisy Harrison, Lucy Herdman, Saskia Lea, Katherine Mansfield.
Nottingham Forest starting combination: GK Dumebi Onichabor, GD Tabitha Tooms, WD Megan Pilkington, C Corey McGlynn, WA Millie Jacklin-Chatta, GA Lily Smith, GS Amy Braithwaite. Impact players: Ruby Parker, Freya Henshall, Katie Rayner, Evelyn McCagherty, Caitlin Blanks.
Quarter scores (Team Bath first): Q1 11-20; Q2 25-32 (14-12); Q3 42-45 (17-13); Q4 60-60 (18-15); extra-time 65-68.
Most Valuable Player: Saskia Lea.
