Blue & Gold unable to overturn interval deficit despite improved second-half showing against London Mavericks
A dominant second quarter from London Mavericks proved to be the difference as Team Bath Netball slipped to a 58-47 home defeat in the NXT Gen League.
The Team Bath Arena was once again sold out for the first Saturday home match of the year and the capacity crowd saw Lowri Windsor, making her first start at WA, enjoy an exciting match-up against the Mavericks WD.
Team Bath made a very slow start and were down by eight going into the first Super Shot period but managed to cut the gap to 12-9 by the end of the first quarter. However, Mavericks won lots of ball in the second period and took full advantage to stretch their half-time lead to 33-19.
Orla Farrelly came on at GD for the second half, with Lottie Robinson moving to GK, and the rejigged defence – along with Poppy Tydeman at WD – was able to generate plenty of turnovers.
Ellen Morgan (pictured top) also made a big impact from the bench, winning the Most Valuable Player award for her all-round display, as Team Bath won the third and fourth quarters. Morgan was presented with her MVP prize, a bouquet from Flowers of Bath, by Iestyn Lewis, CEO of Team Bath partners Rengen.
Team Bath begin the second half of their league campaign with back-to-back away matches, at London Pulse on Saturday 4th April and Manchester Thunder on Saturday 11th April, before returning to the Team Bath Arena on Friday 17th April to face Leeds Rhinos (7pm).
That is one of just two home matches remaining for the Blue & Gold, who also entertain LexisNexis Dragons on Saturday 16th May (3pm). Tickets for both fixtures, 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 Lowri Windsor, GA Lucy Herdman, GS Lily Jones. Impact players: Lucy Button, Ellie Ervine, Orla Farrelly, Katherine Mansfield, Ellen Morgan.
London Mavericks starting combination: GK Neve Wright, GD Timi Adewale, WD Holly James, C Lola Stevens, WA Sacha Dale, GA Cerys Cairns, GS Hannah Passmore. Impact players: Scarlett Creasey, Izavella Pennycooke, Sophia Shalabi, Charlotte Watts, Azara Wilmot.
Quarter scores: Q1 9-12; Q2 19-33 (10-21); Q3 34-46 (15-13); Q4 47-58 (13-12).
Most Valuable Player: Ellen Morgan.
Picture credit: Josh Le Feuvre.
