Slick attacking and relentless defending earns Blue & Gold a welcome win over Leeds Rhinos in NXT Gen League
Team Bath Netball rewarded another capacity crowd with one of their best performances of the NXT Gen League season as they recorded a welcome 60-46 home win over Leeds Rhinos.
After away defeats at London Pulse and Manchester Thunder, plus a disappointing display in the reverse fixture, Team Bath were determined to right the wrongs and started strongly in a match sponsored by Bechtle.
They dominated the one-point period throughout as unrelenting defensive pressure from Daisy Harrison – the opposition’s pick as Team Bath’s star player – and Lottie Robinson forced error upon error to leave Rhinos reliant on Super Shots.
Team Bath’s through-court attacking play was also slick, controlled and patient, resulting in only nine passing errors across the first 45 minutes of play as the hosts extended an 18-14 lead after the first quarter to 35-21 at half-time and 52-32 by the three-quarter mark.
Lily Jones had a standout captain’s performance, shooting at 95 per cent against former Team Bath Super League team-mate George Ford, and Wales U21 wing-attack Lowri Windsor played beyond her years, showing immense maturity and composure with ball in hand plus fierce speed and tenacity in attack to earn her first Most Valuable Player award.
All 12 players were involved in the win and while there was a slight drop-off in the last quarter, the first 45 minutes were arguably some of the best netball played all season.
Next up for Team Bath are visits to title-chasing London Mavericks (Saturday 25th April) and Birmingham Panthers (Saturday 9th May) before they return to the Team Bath Arena for their last home match of 2026, against LexisNexis Dragons on Saturday 16th May. Centre-pass is 3pm and tickets, priced from £12 to £20, are available to purchase by clicking here.
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.
Highlights
Match stats
Team Bath Netball starting combination: GK Daisy Harrison, GD Lottie Robinson, WD Poppy Tydeman, C Becca Hinkins, WA Lowri Windsor, GA Lucy Herdman, GS Lily Jones. Impact players: Ellie Ervine, Saskia Lea, Katherine Mansfield, Ellen Morgan, Sydney Sawyers.
Leeds Rhinos starting combination: GK George Ford, GD Sasha Howard, WD Erin Hodgkiss, C Maia Bausors, WA Rose Bridson, GA Sophie Kimpton, GS Orlaith Rogers. Impact players: Abi Conway, Olivia Leslie, Grace Ross, Rachel Towell, Grace Waller.
Quarter scores (Team Bath first): Q1 18-14; Q2 35-21 (17-7); Q3 52-32 (17-11); Q4 60-46 (8-14).
Most Valuable Player: Lowri Windsor.
Opposition’s Player of the Match: Daisy Harrison.
