Team Bath Netball relishing challenge of facing Superleague’s top two – Surrey Storm and Manchester Thunder
Team Bath Netball coach Jess Thirlby says her improving squad should have no fear when they face the Superleague’s two top teams in the next six days.
The Blue and Gold go to second-placed Surrey Storm on Tuesday (8pm) before welcoming defending champions Manchester Thunder to the University of Bath Sports Training Village on Monday, March 23 (7.45pm).
They will provide a huge test of Team Bath’s credentials after their three successive victories against Celtic Dragons, Loughborough Lightning and Team Northumbria.
But it was the manner of Friday’s 63-24 home win over Northumbria that Thirlby believes should give her players confidence ahead of their big week.
“We go into the next match as underdogs but sometimes that gives you a sense of freedom,” she said.
“We just have to make sure the next 15 minutes continue to be an improvement. It will be tough but the league is very open this season and that’s why we just have to focus on ourselves and what we are doing.”
Her thoughts were echoed by captain Asha Francis, who provided the inspiration for the comprehensive win over Northumbria with a player-of-the-match performance.
“I feel like we are becoming more of a team and we are trying to stick to the game plan, which we really have to do in the next few games,” said the goal attack.
“They are going to be tough but we can take plenty of confidence from this run of wins, particularly our performances in the last two games.”
Tickets are still available for the Manchester Thunder game, which will be televised live on Sky Sports. Doors open at 6.45pm and pre-match entertainment and warm-ups get under way at 7pm.
Tickets are available from http://teambath.ticketline.co.uk/ and http://tickets.sky.com/Netball/Team-Bath.
Carter Jonas are Team Bath Netball’s property partner, Surridge are the Team Bath kit supplier and Skins provide the team with compression wear.
