Blue & Gold unable to build on promising start as Manchester Thunder take the points in NXT Gen League
Team Bath Netball’s frustrating start to the 2026 NXT Gen League season continued as they slipped to a 62-47 home defeat against Manchester Thunder.
The hosts, looking to get their first win on the board, looked the stronger team in the opening exchanges but three successful Super Shots helped Thunder turn things around to lead 15-11 at the end of the first quarter.
Team Bath made several changes in a bid to regain the momentum but they didn’t have the desired impact as Thunder remained the more clinical team, winning the second quarter 17-11 to open up a 10-goal lead at half-time.
The defensive unit of Daisy Harrison, who was named as MVP for her fine performance at GK, and Sydney Sawyers continued to hustle hard and gained turnover that lifted the energy substantially in the Team Bath Arena.
Just two goals separated the teams during the third quarter but Thunder looked more comfortable, particularly in the Super Shot periods, and were ultimately the better team on the night.
Team Bath now have three weeks off to regroup before their next home match against Birmingham Panthers on Friday 6th March (7pm centre-pass). Tickets have already sold out for that fixture but are available for the four other remaining home matches, visit netball.teambath.com/tickets for more details.
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 Lucy Button, WA Ellen Morgan, GA Lucy Herdman, GS Lily Jones. Replacements: Saskia Lea, Katherine Mansfield, Neve Marsden, Sydney Sawyers, Lowri Windsor.
Manchester Thunder starting combination: GK Sophia Warn, GD Millie Carter, WD Mia Lanigan, C Megan Bentley, WA Ellie Heyes, GA Shannon Malik, GS Caitlin Sharkey. Replacements: Faith Evbenaye, Bethany Long, Alice McGeachy, Poppy Pearson, Naomi Hanson.
Quarter scores (Team Bath first): Q1 11-15; Q2 22-32 (11-17); Q3 36-48 (14-16); Q4 47-62 (11-14).
Most Valuable Player: Daisy Harrison.
