Team Bath have secured a place in the Co-operative Netball Superleague final after a close match against Loughborough Lightening which ended 62-55. Team Bath made it three wins in a row this season over their big rivals and now have the psychological advantage as they remain unbeaten this season.
Team Bath’s plan as they headed out on court was to win every quarter of the match but they had to come from behind in the first where the visitors had a three goal advantage three minutes into the match. Loughborough played well in the centre-court whilst Bath defended strongly to secure a one-point advantage 15-14 after 15 minutes.
After the break Bath moved to an early three point lead but were pegged back only to push ahead again to lead 31-28 at half-time. England players Sara Bayman, Jo Binns and Pamela Cookey linked well for the home side.
The Bath crowd was treated to some world-class shooting displays from England shooters Jo Harten, for Loughborough, and Rachel Dunn for Bath. Natasha Hampshire, at Wing Attack, also produced a good performance for Loughborough who took the third quarter 14-13 but still trailed 42-44 at three-quarter time.
With the scene set for a nail-biting finish, Loughborough fought back to within one goal at 45-44. But Bath stormed into a period of fast-paced passing to lead 48-44 and then 60-50. Loughborough picked up some consolation goals in the final few minutes before the final whistle at 62-55.
Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
TeamBath
GS: Rachel Dunn
GA: Pamela Cookey (capt)
WA: Jo Binns
C : Serena Guthrie
WD: Sara Bayman
GD: Stacey Francis
GK: Eboni Beckford-Chambers
Shooting stats
Rachel Dunn: 35/41 85%
Pamela Cookey: 27/33 82%
Loughborough Lightning
GS: Jo Harten
GA: Alex Kirk
WA: Natalie Hampshire
C: Jade Clarke (capt)
WD: Olivia Murphy
GD: Emma Bliss
GK: Hannah Reid
Shooting Stats
Jo Harten: 42/46 91%
A Kirk: 11/16 69%
L Stephenson: 2/2 100%
Click here to enter our competition to win tickets to the Co-operative Netball Superleague final
