Team Bath kick off 2015 Superleague with away win
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.
This televised game is moving towards a sell-out. Some tickets are still available at: www.teambath.com/events/ticketline or via Sky Tickets on http://tickets.sky.com/Netball/Team-Bath
Doors open for this home game at 6.45pm with pre-match entertainment and team warm-ups to watch before the main match.
Tickets cost £9 for adults and £6.50 for concessions. Students can by tickets for £3.50. Family tickets (for two adults and two children or one adult and three children), offer the chance to see the games at just £25.00 per match.
Fans can also watch all seven of Team Bath’s home games in the round-robin stage for £49 for adults and £30 for concessions.
Carter Jonas are Team Bath Netball’s property partner. Surridge are the official kit supplier and Skins provide the team with compression wear.
For further information members of the media can contact the Team Bath press office at Matchtight Ltd on 01225 383518 or at press@matchtight.co.uk
