Team Bath Netball kick off 2015 Superleague season with away win at Team Northumbria
Team Bath’s superleague netballers started their 2015 campaign with a 49-33 away win against Team Northumbria.
Coach Jess Thirlby described it as a “solid start” during which several of the new line-up made their debuts in the blue and gold of Team Bath.
Team Bath, sponsored by Carter Jonas, led by 13-8 after the first quarter with England stalwart, Stacey Francis, newcomer Kiwi, Bessie Manu, and Sam Cook all helping with defensive turn-over.
Rosie Allison, at goal-shooter, was able to capitalise on some confident initial feeding into the circle and Team Bath were ahead by 27-19 at half-time.
Kyra Jones, an off-season signing from Celtic Dragons, also made her debut starting at wing-defence in the third quarter before making a great impact at centre for the final 15 minutes.
Rachel Shaw, a rising star nationally, appeared in Team Bath colours for the first time after sitting out a frustrating season through injury.
In the final quarter Shaw and team captain Asha Francis offered coach Thirlby a different attacking style in the circle and Scottish captain Claire Brownie made impact off the bench to produce lots of turn-over at wing-defence.
“It was great to get the win”, said Thirlby. “We now have plenty of food for thought before the next game against Manchester Thunder”.
That match takes place on Saturday away to the reigning champions. Team Bath’s opening home game is on Monday 9th February at the University of Bath Sports Training Village against Surrey Storm.
