Superleague 2006/7 Match Reports

TeamBath Battle to Netball Superleague Title

9th June 2007

Reigning champions TeamBath were made to battle all the way as they eventually edged past Mavericks 53-45 to retake the title at the Grand Final of the 2006-7 competition at the Guildford Spectrum centre this evening.

TeamBath, who came into the game with a perfect 15 wins from 15 matches this season, were forced to dig deep as Mavericks harried and hassled them into errors from the first whistle. Mavericks GK Janet Coulburne put in another storming performance, unsettling TeamBath and England GS Rachel Dunn from the first whistle, while her shooting partner Pamela Cookey was uncharacteristically subdued early on, taking only five shots in the first period. Meanwhile, for Mavericks, WA Karen Atkinson began an enthralling battle against TeamBath's WD Natalie Seaton, with both players well matched for speed and vision. Young Mavericks GS Jo Harten settled the nerves with an early goal, and with Dunn unable to settle, Mavericks moved out to lead 5-1 and 7-4 early on. However, the champions applied some pressure of their own, and worked their way back into the game. International colleagues Cookey, Dunn and Greenway drew on all their experience and patience to craft shooting opportunities, and with the shots now dropping for TeamBath, they trailed by only two goals 10-12 at the end of the first period.

TeamBath came out in determined fashion at the start of the second quarter, making an immediate interception, but were then rushed into uncharacteristic error by their opposition, and this exchange set the tone for the quarter. With both sides exerting immense pressure in defence, the crowd was treated to a feast of end to end action. TeamBath's Sara Bayman and Mavericks' Deb Jones refused to give an inch to each other in centre court, and with Natalie Seaton making a crucial interception to deny Mavericks in the final minute of the quarter, which Cookey converted, the champions had closed the gap to a single goal, 21-22, at the half time interval.

Team Bath coach Jan Crabtree replaced Sara Bayman with Jo Binns at the start of the third quarter, and her pace and anticipation had an immediate effect for the champions. Binns tipped several balls as Mavericks' centre court attempted to feed their circle, and her understanding was crucial in releasing Cookey into space in the Bath attacking third. Cookey responded with 7/8 for the quarter, and with GK Geva Mentor making a number of key turnovers to deny Mavericks shooting opportunities, the champions went ahead for the first time in the match. However, the challengers refused to be overawed, and with Brownfield scoring 9/9 for the quarter, and Atkinson continuing to swarm across the attacking third to support her shooters, the lead was only one goal 36-35 in favour of TeamBath with 15 minutes remaining.

GA Brownfield scored to take the scoreboard level once more at the start of the final period, but Mavericks could not capitalise on their next possession, with Mentor once again stealing possession to deny Harten a shooting opportunity, which was converted at the other end by Cookey. The period was nip and tuck, with neither team able to dominate, until the final four minutes of the period. After an injury time out, with the scores level at 45 all, Bath returned to the court with steely determination, and a frenzy of interceptions followed. Bath captain Billy Bowers, who had been inspirational all day, stole the ball from Harten, and Dunn obliged by converting to edge the champions ahead. With the crowd roaring and the atmosphere electric, Bath regathered their resolve and sensed that the win was theirs for the taking. Despite the best efforts of Mavericks, the champions could not be overhauled, and it was fitting that a Mentor interception was converted by a trademark piece of Cookey magic as the whistle blew. Final score TeamBath 53 Mavericks 45.

Coach Jan Crabtree was thrilled with her team's efforts: "Massive respect to Mavericks for the way they took us on today. I knew our opportunity would come, and it was then up to the team to take their chance, and I'm delighted that they did so with such control. It has been a superb season, and they should be very proud of their achievements."

For Mavericks, coach Maggie Jackson was philosophical: "It was a great game, and all credit to TeamBath, because they came out and won the match in the final minutes. I was really pleased with the way Mavericks came out and never stopped working at what we asked of them."

Starting line ups:

TeamBath: GS Rachel Dunn, GA Pamela Cookey, WA Tamsin Greenway, C Sara Bayman, WD Natalie Seaton, GD Billy Bowers, GK Geva Mentor Changes/substitutions: 3rd Q: C Jo Binns

Mavericks: GS Jo Harten, GA Louisa Brownfield, WA Karen Atkinson, C Deb Jones, WD Naomi Siddall, GD Amanda Newton, GK Janet Coulburne No changes.

Shooting statistics:

TeamBath: Cookey 22/26, Dunn 31/41
Mavericks: Brownfield 28/34, Harten 15/19

Player of the Match: Geva Mentor

Umpires Bill Alexander and Judith Groves (Jo Kelly, reserve)

TEAMBATH THROUGH TO SUPERLEAGUE FINAL

TeamBath will defend their Superleague title on June 9th after navigating through their play-off semi-final against Mavericks by 61-45 at the University’s Sports Training Village in a contest that was keenly fought especially in the first half.

Mavericks opened the scoring against the centre pass and seized the early initiative to lead 6-3 after five minutes.  Shooters Louisa Brownfield and Jo Harten combined well from good service into the circle.

Given a wake-up call, Kukri-sponsored TeamBath responded by increasing their pace and mobility. Rachel Dunn moved well in the circle and the home side fought back to lead 9-6.

During a period in which Sara Bayman was persistently penalised in defence, Mavericks took back the initiative to lead 13-10 with two minutes to go.  Two good defensive interceptions from Geva Mentor, who had an outstanding game for the home side, coupled with a couple of rapid-fire goals, meant the home side pegged back the deficit to 12-13 at quarter time.

Only the slimmest of gaps separated the two sides for the first ten minutes of the second quarter.  Team Bath took a 16-14 lead but saw it overturned. Mavericks led 20-19 and 21-20 but were held.  The fight for the centre-court became more and more intense whilst a significant battle emerged between Mavericks’ Brownfield and Team Bath captain Billy Bowers at goal-attack and goal-defence respectively.

With five minutes to go of the half, TeamBath mounted a minor break-away to lead 26-21 and were 27-23 ahead at the break thanks to superb athleticism and sheer dogged determination from Tamsin Greenway, Jo Binns and Pamela Cookey at wing-attack, centre and goal-attack respectively for the home side.
“Early in the second half we turned over some balls and took our chances”, said TeamBath player of the match, Tamsin Greenway.

“We capitalised on some of their errors and that’s probably what made the difference”, said coach Jan Crabtree.  “Once we got ahead that put more pressure on them and all my players worked tirelessly to get the result”.

The third quarter was a different story altogether.  England captain Amanda Newton and Janet Colbourne, both previously totally solid for Mavericks in the circle, saw their defence breached time and again with some long-range shooting by a spectacular Dunn and Cookey for Bath.  Equally, Greenway ranged freely against a robust by tiring Mavericks’ wing-defence, Naomi Siddall.

TeamBath, playing with Natalie Seaton on at wing-defence for Sara Bayman, led 31-26, 37-30 and 42-32 and, finally, 46-36 in the quarter.  Despite the swing in fortunes Debbie Jones continued to impress for the visitors at centre - covering mileage on the court and feeding accurately into the circle.

Having laid the foundations for victory in the third quarter TeamBath pursued it ruthlessly in the final 15 minutes.  They defended robustly and, with Bayman back on court for Binns at centre, crafted some strong centre-court moves with growing confidence.

Cookey was particularly accurate with some flicked shots into the net.  With five minutes to go the home side still led by more than 10 goals and despite some spirited counter-attacks by Mavericks they closed it out at 61 – 45 to book their place in the final on June 9th in Guildford where they will be defending champions.

Their opposition there, ironically, could still be Mavericks if the Bedford-based side win the second play-off on June 3rd where they will face the winners of today’s other semi-final play-off between Loughborough Lightning and Brunel Hurricanes.

“I don’t think we’re 15 goals behind Team Bath”, said assistant Mavericks coach and former England captain Fiona Murtagh after the match. “It was a close match today and we’ll be back for more in a couple of week’s time because we’re determined to win the play-off”.

“We’ve got a weekend off now but we’ll be watching closely the play-off and looking at what we need to achieve before the final”, said Greenway of the home side who are still unbeaten this season in the Superleague.

Starting Sevens:
TeamBath: GS Rachel Dunn; GA: Pamela Cookey; WA:  Tamsin Greenway; C: Jo Binns; WD: Sara Bayman; GD: Billy Bowers; GK Geva Mentor
Substitutes:  Third quarter:  Natalie Seaton for Bayman and WD; Final quarter:  Bayman for Binns at C.
Mavericks: GS: Jo Harten; GA: Louisa Brownfield; WA: Karen Atkinson; C:   Debbie Jones; WD: Naomi Siddall; GD: Amanda Newton; GK Janet Colbourne
Substitutes:  Third quarter:  Brownfield to GS and Harten to GA
Quarter Scores:  (Team Bath first):  12-13, 27-23, 46-46 and 61-45
Shooting Stats:  Dunn 86%; Cookey 83%; Harten 70%; Brownfield 93%
Thanks to Matchtight Ltd for this press release and Phil Searle for the photos.

TeamBath Finish Top of the League

Team Bath’s netballers will host Mavericks in the first round of national Superleague play-offs in a repeat of last season’s final.

The University of Bath-based side rounded off the round-robin stage of their campaign in emphatic style with a 61-33 win at Team Northumbria.

It means they top the league stage of the Superleague with an outstanding 14 wins from 14 contests. Mavericks in second won 10 of their 14 games.v Mavericks.jpg

It means Team Bath, the reigning Superleague champions, will host Mavericks in the first round of play-offs at the University of Bath Sports Training Village at 3pm on Saturday 26th May.

The winner of that game will go straight through to the Superleague final, which takes place at the Spectrum Centre in Guildford on Saturday 9th June and will be shown live by Sky Sports.

For information about tickets for Team Bath's home games please call 01225 384267 or email events@teambath.com

The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its TeamBath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.


Members of the media who require further information can contact the TeamBath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com

Picture: Action from the last Team Bath v Mavericks match at the Sports Training Village (Photo: Steve Ballinger)

TeamBath 60 vs 29 Brunel Hurricanes

Team Bath’s strength in depth helped them maintain their unbeaten record so far in this season’s netball Superleague with a 60-29 home win against Brunel Hurricanes at the University of Bath Sports Training Village.

They now have just one league match to go against Team Northumbria on May 5th, before the play-offs start on May 26th..For the opening quarter today, Team Bath looked as if they might have a fight on their hands. A physical and up-tempo Hurricanes pulled back from1-3 and 4-6 down to lead 8-6 after eight minutes.

Hurricanes coach Denise Holland said her team had “done their homework on Team Bath” going into the fixture and but for two missed chances in the final minute the visitors might have lead going into the interval. Instead Team Bath moved to 11-10 up.
“I wasn’t pleased with that first quarter”, admitted Team Bath’s captain Billy Bowers after the match. “We didn’t start well and we weren’t concentrating but, fortunately, we pulled it round from there on”

Emerging, young shooter Vicklyn Jones did much of the Hurricanes damage in the first 15 minutes so Team Bath coach Jan Crabtree made some changes in defence in the second quarter. “We needed some height in defence at that point and it’s a tribute to the strength of our bench that we can make those kind of changes”, she said.

Young Team Bath talent Eboni Beckford-Chambers rose to the challenge and played well at goal-keeper alongside England defender Geva Mentor at GD whilst Bowers moved to wing-defence.

It wasn’t until mid-way through the second quarter that Team Bath broke out from the tight-marking to surge ahead to 20-13 and, at half-time, by 26-17. “Our confidence began to flow then”, said Bowers.

Natalie Seaton came on at wing-defence for the home-side in the third quarter to make some good interceptions and Crabtree, with her side leading by 45-26, chose to substitute her hard-working wing-attack and Vice-captain Tamsin Greenway at the start of the final quarter. Sasha Corbin was the replacement and immediately injected new pace in that position in the final quarter.

For Hurricanes, captain Sonia Mkloma, part of the England set-up, was a dominant presence and made life physically tough for Team Bath’s England shooters, Pamela Cookey and Rachel Dunn.Pamela shoots.jpg “Yes it was a tough game, we all know each other really well and we know our strengths and weaknesses”, said Mkloma after the match.

Team Bath now travel to play Team Northumbria away on Saturday May 5th and the defending champions’ first play-off match will be at home on May 26th. A win on May 26th would put Team Bath into the Grand Final on June 9th at Guildford’s Spectrum Arena.

Team Bath Starting Seven and Substitutes:

GS: Rachel Dunn; GA: Pamela Cookey; WA: Tamsin Greenway; C: Jo Binns; WD: Sara Bayman; GD: Billy Bowers; GK: Gemma Fletcher.
Substitutions: Second quarter: Bowers for Bayman at WD; Bayman for Binns at C; Eboni Beckford-Chambers for Fletcher at GK, Geva Mentor for Bowers at GD. Third quarter: Natalie Seaton for Bowers at WD; Fourth quarter: Mentor for Beckford-Chambers at GK; Bowers for Mentor at GD; Sasha Corbin for Greenway at WA.

Brunel Hurricanes Starting Seven and Substitutes:

GS: Vicklyn Joseph; GA: Camilla Buchanan; WA: Chioma Ezeogu; C: Natalie Francis; WD: Katie Nichols; GD: Sonia Mkoloma; GK: Naida Hutchinson.
Substitutions: Ezeogu for Nichols at WD; Francis for Ezeogu at WA; Nichols for Francis at C; Third quarter: Buchanan for Francis at WA; Bridget Tait for Buchanan at GA; Fourth quarter: Mkoloma for Hutchinson at GK; Hutchinson for Mkoloma at GD; Nicole McFarlane for Ezeogu at WD.

Members of the media who require further information can contact the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com

Thanks to matchtight for this report.

Team Bath in record-breaking form - Saturday 18th April

Team Bath’s netballers set a new Superleague highest score record tonight (Saturday) as they beat Leeds Met Carnegie 91-24.

The emphatic victory – achieved at a rate of a goal every 45 seconds – also means Team Bath are guaranteed to end the league phase of the Superleague at the top of the table and so will have home advantage for the first of the end of season play-off matches.

Team Bath broke their own record scoreline - an 84-24 victory over Team Northumbria achieved in February – in tonight’s match in Leeds.

And they kept the pressure on Leeds for the full 60 minutes, restricting them to just seven goals in the last two quarters.

“It was a good solid team performance,” said head coach Jan Crabtree, whose team have now won 12 from 12 in the Superleague this season, with just two games remaining in the regular season.

“I was pleased that we kept at it for the full 60 minutes and that we restricted their shooters so well, particularly in the second half of the match,” she added. “We accelerated away at the end.”

England Pamela Cookey hit 9 from 11 in the second quarter, when she came on to play at goal shooter. She moved to goal attack for the rest of the game, hitting a perfect 12 from 12 in their third quarter and then 13 from 13 in quarter four.

“It was good fun,” she declared after the game. “We’ve been trying to beat our old record score, so it was great to beat the record so convincingly.

“I was definitely pleased with 100 per cent in the last two quarters,” she added. “But we were very good throughout the court tonight. Everyone just clicked.”

Team Bath return to action on Saturday 28th April when they take on Brunel Hurricanes at the Sports Training Village.

Quarter scores (TeamBath second): 10-20; 7-20 (17-40), 3-23 (20-63), 4-28 (24-91)

Starting sevens: GS Rachel Dunn, GA Tamsin Greenway, WA Sasha Corbin, C Jo Binns, WD Sara Bayman, GD Billy Bowers, GK Eboni Beckford-Chambers.
Q2 changes: Cookey to GS. Q3 changes: Dunn to GS, Cookey to GA, Natalie Seaton to WD, Geva Mentor to GD. Q4 changes: Greenway to WA, Bayman to C, Bowers to GD, Mentor to GK

Shooting stats: Dunn – 37 from 48 (77 per cent), Greenway – 20 from 24 (83 per cent), Cookey – 34 from 36 (94 per cent)

The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its Team Bath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.

Members of the media who require further information can contact the TeamBath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com.

Members of the media who require further information can contact the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com

Thanks to matchtight for this report.

Team Bath beat Mavericks 56-38 - Friday 6th April

Team Bath continued their domination of the 2006/7 Superleague, beating second placed team Mavericks by 18 goals.

The first versus second clash looked like being tight on paper, but reigning Superleague champions Team Bath maintained their 100 per cent record this season with an emphatic 56-38 victory.action v Mav2.jpg

Mavericks started strongly at the Sports Training Village, matching the home side goal for goal in the first five minutes – a period that saw the two sides tied at five-all.

But Team Bath tentatively forged a couple of goals ahead with five minutes of the first quarter remaining, then Pamela Cookey, Team Bath’s England goal attack, hit three goals in quick succession, while goal shooter Rachel Dunn netting a pair to enable TeamBath to end the quarter 15-9 up.

Mavericks had played well – both Louisa Brownfield and Joanne Harten hit 100 per cent of their attempts. But Team Bath’s defensive combination of Geva Mentor and Billy Bowers restricted them to just nine shots, with the pair, and Sara Bayman at centre, making a string of timely interceptions.

Both teams stuck with the same line-ups in the second quarter. TeamBath made an explosive start, with Cookey and Dunn both scoring freely to stretch their side’s lead to 27-13 with just a couple of minutes remaining of the half, while TeamBath’s defence again limited Mavericks to just nine attempts on goal in a quarter that ended 31-15.

Team Bath and Mavericks both made some changes for the third quarter, with Greenway moving to goal attack for Team Bath, Cookey to goal shooter, Bayman to wing defence, and Sasha Corbin and Jo BInns coming on at wing attack and centre respectively.action v Mavericks.jpg

Mavericks came back strongly in the third quarter, with Brownfield hitting eight from eight as the visitors reduced the deficit by a couple of goals. But Cookey and Greenway kept the scoreboard ticking over too, with Greenway hitting 10 from 10 and Cookey five from six. TeamBath ended the quarter the stronger, stretching their lead to 46-26.

Mavericks showed their mettle in the final quarter, taking it by a couple of goals. But it was too little too late as rampant Team Bath continued to march on, with Dunn coming back at goal shooter, hitting seven from 10, and Greenway hitting three from three for another 100 per cent haul.

Afterwards Team Bath head coach Jan Crabtree said she was pleased with the performance – but there was still room for improvement.v Mavericks.jpg

“I’m very pleased with the performance,” she said. “We let it drop a bit in the last quarter, but we were on top for the first three quarters. There were things that happened in the last quarter that we’ll look at and put right.

“It’s important that we can play different styles and give teams different problems to solve, and that’s what we did today,” she added.

Vice captain Greenway said she was delighted with a 100 per cent shooting record for the second week in a row. “I’ve been working hard on my shooting and I think it’s going pretty well. It’s nice to get a chance in the shooting circle.

“We’ve been improving since the start of the season and so have Mavericks,” she added. “We felt we had a point to prove today because the score was quite close when we met earlier in the season. We wanted to show everyone how much we’ve improved, and I think we did that.

“We’re all really happy with the result,” she said. “It was nice to come away with quite a comfortable victory in the end.“

Cookey added: “Mavericks are a strong side and they gave us a good game today, but we showed we’re strong mentally as well as physically.”

The Team Bath v Mavericks match was this week’s Sky Sports feature game and will be shown ‘as live’ later this week – check television listings for full details.

Team Bath return to action on Saturday 14th April at Leeds Met Carnegie and are next at home against Brunel Hurricanes on Saturday 28th April.

Starting sevens:

Team Bath: GS Rachel Dunn, GA Pamela Cookey, WA Tamsin Greenway, C Sara Bayman, WD Natalie Seaton, GD Billy Bowers (capt), GK Geva Mentor. Q3 changes: Sara Bayman to WD, Jo Binns to C, Sasha Corbin to WA, Tamsin Greenway to GA, Pamela Cookey to GS. Q4 changes: Dunn to GS.

Mavericks: GS Louisa Brownfield, GA Joanne Harten, WA Abi Dewberry, C Debbie Jones, WD Naomi Siddall, GD Amanda Newton, GK Janet Coulbourne. Q2 changes: Newton to GK, Coulbourne to GD, Vicky Sweeting to C, Holly Nichols to WA. Q4 changes: Coulbourne to GK, Clare Higham to GD, Newton to WD.

Quarter scores (Team Bath first): 15-9, 16-6 (31-15), 15-11 (46-26), 10-12 (56-38).

Shooting stats:
Team Bath: Rachel Dunn – 19 from 27 (70 per cent), Pamela Cookey – 24 from 27 (89 per cent), Tamsin Greenway – 13 from 13 (100 per cent).

Mavericks: Louisa Brownfield 18 from 19 (95 per cent), Joanne Harten (20 from 25 (80 per cent).

The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its Team Bath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.

Members of the media who require further information can contact the TeamBath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com

Pictures: action from Team Bath's victory over Mavericks.

Members of the media who require further information can contact the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com

Thanks to matchtight for this report.

Team Bath topple Thunder to stay top - Saturday 21st March

Team Bath, table toppers by four points going into today’s home superleague match with sixth-ranked Northern Thunder tried a number of combinations on route to victory by 80-34, after leading 41-20 at half-time.

Coach Jan Crabtree continued to follow a season-long trend of blooding young players for the Kukri-sponsored side such as 19 year-old Stacey Francis who impressed thoroughly in the third quarter at the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village.

“I was mixing combinations today and giving people the opportunity to put themselves in contention”, said a pleased Crabtree after the match.

Against a side who harried and tussled but were ultimately well-beaten, Crabtree also used her seasoned internationals to the full.

Tamsin Greenway, the team’s vice-captain, covered a lot of territory both at wing-attack and goal-attack and clocked up a 100% shooting stat in the second quarter with ten scored from ten attempts.

Natalie Woolley at goal-attack for Thunder beat Greenway to the full-house with a 100% shooting record in the first quarter when she scored six from six attempts.

For Team Bath, circle-defender Geva Mentor was active and successful and Sara Bayman, back from last year out of the side whilst in New Zealand, has grown in stature as the season has advanced.

Bayman, a final year Sports Science student at the University who recently received her call-up into the full England side, has shaken off her early-season stiffness to move tactically and with speed around the court. Today she shone at both centre and wing-defence.

The ever-popular Pamela Cookey was temporarily unsure for a few moments in the third quarter – a state reflected in her 67% average - before producing some blistering play in the final 15 minutes much to the pleasure of the 400-strong crowd. Team Bath could have taken their foot off the gas in that final period but turned on a show of crowd-pleasing skill and speed to win 80-34.

Team Bath now face third-placed Mavericks in their next game at home on April 6th at 5pm. There are still tickets available for this match which should prove more closely-fought than today’s encounter.

Starting sevens:

Team Bath: GS: Rachel Dunn; GA: Pamela Cookey; WA: Sasha Corbin; C: Sara Bayman; WD: Billy Bowers; GD: Geva Mentor; GK: Gemma Fletcher.

Substitutions: Second quarter: Tamsin Greenway for Cookey at GA; Natalie Seaton for Billy Bowers at WD; Bowers for Mentor at GD. Third quarter: Jo Binns for Bayman at centre; Cookey for Greenway at goal-attack; Greenway for Corbin at wing-attack; Francis for Bowers at goal-defence; Mentor for Fletcher at goal-keeper; fourth quarter: Bowers for Francis at goal-defence; Bayman for Seaton at wing-defence.

Northern Thunder: GS: Darcie Worsdale; GA: Natalie Woolley; WA: Loren Taylor; C: Anna Newell; WD: Claudia Honnison; GD: Becci Douglas; GK: Nicola Szehofner

Substitutions: second quarter: Douglas for Szehofner at GK: Szehofner for Douglas at GD; second quarter: third quarter: Woolley to GS; Charlotte Beenham for Worsdale at GA; fourth quarter: Lisa Ferneyhough for Honnison at WD; Jenny Cross for Newell at C; Woolley to GA: Beenham to GS.

Shooting stats:

Team Bath:

Dunn 41 from 50 attempts – 82%; Cookey 29 from 35 attempts – 82.86%; Greenway 10 from 10 – 100%.

Northern Thunder:

Worsdale 8 from 13 attempts – 61.54%; Woolley 18 from 24 attempts – 75%; Beenham 3 from 4 attempts – 75% and 4 from 7 attempts – 57.14%.

Quarter scores: 20-10, 41-20, 58-28 and 80-34

Members of the media who require further information can contact the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com

Thanks to matchtight for this report.

TeamBath beat Celtic Dragons - Friday 23rd March

Team Bath’s netballers continued their perfect track record in pursuit of the defence of their national Superleague title by beating Celtic Dragons 73-26 in Cardiff last night (Friday).

The result means Team Bath made it nine wins from nine contests in this season’s Superleague campaign.

Head coach Jan Crabtree tried out some new combinations, giving some of TeamBath’s younger players an opportunity to shine.

Eighteen-year-old Eboni Beckford Chambers started at goal defence with 19-year-old Stacey Francis coming on at wing defence at the halfway mark for her first court time of this year’s campaign.

Gemma Fletcher played the last quarter at goal defence – just a few days short of her 20th birthday. They all received valuable support from England international Geva Mentor – still only 22 herself.

Experienced captain Billy Bowers sat out the first half-hour but then came on at wing defence for the last two quarters.

“It’s important that we try out some new combinations,” said Crabtree. “We’ve got lots of different options and that means we can always spring a surprise on our opponents.

“All of the young defenders got some court time and they all did well,” she added. “They all want to play and they’re all challenging for places. It’s one thing seeing them in training, but we really need to see them in a match situation.”

Team Bath dominated proceedings from the start – they were 16-6 up at the first quarter. With University of Bath Sport and Exercise Science student Sara Bayman again impressive at centre and England shooters Rachel Dunn and Pamela Cookey both on song, they had extended their lead to 35-11 by the halfway mark.

They out-scored the Dragons 21-5 in the third interval and kept up the pressure to produce a final score of 73-26.

Friday’s result means TeamBath continue to top the Superleague.

Team Bath starting line-up: GS Rachel Dunn, GA Pamela Cookey, WA Sasha Corbin, C Sara Bayman, WD Natalie Seaton, GD Geva Mentor, GK Eboni Beckford Chambers. Q3 changes: Tamsin Greenway to WA, Jo Binns to C, Billy Bowers to WD, Stacey Francis to GD, Geva Mentor to GK. Q4 changes: Gemma Fletcher to GD.

Quarter scores (TeamBath second): 6-16, 5-19 (11-35), 5-21 (16-56), 10-17 (26-73).

Shooting stats: Rachel Dunn 49 from 61 (80 per cent), Pamela Cookey (24 from 35) 69 per cent.

The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its Team Bath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.

Members of the media who require further information can contact the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com

Thanks to matchtight for this report.

Team Bath beat Loughborough Lightning - Monday 6th March

Team Bath’s netballers recorded their first ever away Superleague win over arch rivals Loughborough Lightning in last night’s (Monday) encounter.

The University of Bath-based side beat Loughborough 43-42 to maintain their 100 per centre record and restore their four point lead at the top of the Superleague.

Loughborough, roared on by a partisan capacity crowd and inspired by feisty former England captain Olivia Murphy, always made things difficult for TeamBath in a keenly-contested clash.

But Team Bath’s midcourt combination of Sara Bayman, Jo Binns and Sasha Corbin worked tirelessly to suppress their opponents and provide goal-scoring opportunities.

It was nip and tuck throughout the final quarter, but TeamBath – the reigning Superleague champions - were never behind. Although Loughborough cut the deficit from four to two goals, and then in the dying seconds to one, TeamBath held firm to secure a momentous victory.

The contest will be the ‘as live’ game being shown on Sky Sports on Thursday (8th March) – see TV listings for full details.

Jan Crabtree, Team Bath head coach, said: “Loughborough made it very difficult for us, but I felt we kept our nerve, played well and we came through in the end, which was very pleasing.
Geva Mentor
“They put us under intense pressure, but we controlled the game and in the last quarter we always managed to be level or ahead,” she added.

“We approach every game with confidence, but we’re not taking anything for granted,” she added. “We know the other Superleague teams want to beat us, but we’re going to work extra hard to keep ahead of the game.”

England international Geva Mentor (pictured), who played goal keeper in last night’s clash, said: “It was a tough game, neck and neck all the way through, but I never felt like we were going to lose it.

“We played well all the way through the court,” she added. “Each unit worked well as a unit and combined well together. It was a good team effort.”

Team Bath starting line-up:

GS: Rachael Dunn, GA: Pamela Cookey, WA: Tamsin Greenway, C: Jo Binns, WD: Sara Bayman, GD: Billy Bowers, GK: Geva Mentor. Q1 changes: Cookey to GS, Greenway to GA, Sasha Corbin to WA.

Team Bath’s next home game is against Northern Thunder at 5pm on Saturday 31st March.

For information about tickets for TeamBath's home games please call 01225 383791 or email events@teambath.com

Thanks to matchtight for this report.

TeamBath vs Team Northumbria - Saturday 24th February

Table-topping Team Bath, the defending champions, extended their unbeaten run at head of netball’s superleague with a 84-25 home win against Team Norhumbria at the University of Bath Sports Training Village this afternoon.

A crowd of around 400 watched as Team Bath, sponsored by Kukri, took advantage of a good start to score several times against the centre pass in the opening quarter. Sasha Corbin, Jo Binns and Tamsin Greenway worked hard on the edge of the circle at one end whilst Gemma Fletcher and Geva Mentor provided an almost impenetrable defence at the other.Netball - crowd.jpg

Meanwhile Northumbria, coached by England assistant coach, Denise Egan, and featuring three New Zealand U21 squad members, were forced into some mid-court errors in the early minutes as they tried in vain to settle. By quarter time the home side and league leaders were 23-6 ahead.Team Bath coach Jan Crabtree switched her circle-defenders’ positions for the second quarter whilst Northumbria brought on Vicky Rees for Natalie Connor at wing-defence and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Lisa Stanley for Lesley MacDonald at goal-shooter.

Super-accurate shooting from Greenway and Pamela Cookey as opposed to unsteady attempts on goal from the visitors summed up the main difference between the two sides in the second quarter, coupled with some smart defending and rapid-fire centre-court play from Bayman, Binns and Corbin for the home side.

By half-time the score had moved to 41-14 despite some spirited work by Team Northumbria who earlier this season had held leading side Loughborough Lightning to a draw.

Billy Bowers, the Team Bath captain, marked her arrival on court at wing-defence in the second half, with a flying leap which earned a penalty against the home side. Soon, though, she settled down as part of a defensive team for the quarter which include Eboni Beckford Chambers at goal-keeper and Mentor at goal-attack. Team Bath also brought their England goal-shooter Rachel Dunn into the fray as replacement for Cookey.

Northumbria’s only switch was to bring on Kavin Connell at wing-attack for Vicky Burgess. The opening few minutes of the second half were the most balanced yet of the match with some flowing counter-attacks from Northumbria but the home side still led 60-20 at the break.

Home coach Crabtree decided on a wholesale reworking of her line-up in the final quarter, offering Monique Wood an opportunity at GA by moving Greenway to wing-attack.

Northumbria countered by bringing back former England international Vicky Burgess at centre and Emma Lonsdale at wing-attack. Jo Rushden also replaced Stanley as goal-shooter.

Some great interceptions from Bayman, back on court at wing-defence, and Bowers, playing at goal-defence, helped seal domination of the final ten minutes of the match. Wood looked confident in shooting and Dunn produced her normal display of accuracy.

Team Bath’s next match is on Monday 5 March away to Loughborough Lightning – a match which will appear on Sky TV.

Starting Sevens

Team Bath: GS: Pamela Cookey; GA: Tamsin Greenway; WA: Sasha Corbin; C: Jo Binns; WD: Sarah Bayman; GD: Gemma Fletcher; GK: Geva Mentor

Bench: Eboni Beckford-Chambers; Billy Bowers; Rachel Dunn; Natalie Seaton; Monique Wood.

Team Northumbria: GS: Lesley MacDonald; GA: Maria Ewing; WA: Vicky Burgess; C: Kelly Martin (captain); WD: Natalie Connor; GD: Claire Cooper;
GK: Nikki van Beck

Bench: Lisa Stanley; Emma Londsale, Jo Rushden; Vicky Rees; Kavin Connell

Quarter-scores: Team Bath first: 23-6; 41-14; 60-20; 84-24

Thanks to Matchtight for this report.

TeamBath vs Brunel Hurricanes - Monday 12th February

Team Bath stretched their lead at the top of netball’s national Superleague to four points after beating Brunel Hurricanes 52-28 last night (Monday).

The result also means the defending Superleague champions held on to their 100 per cent record in this season’s competition.

Last night’s game took place in front of a capacity crowd at the Guildford Spectrum Centre – the venue at which Team Bath won the inaugural Superleague title in June last year.

Team Bath started brightly with the England combination of Jo Binns, Pamela Cookey and Rachel Dunn using their pace and accuracy to overcome the defensive challenges posed by Hurricanes’ Sonia Mkoloma and Naida Hutchinson and open up a 15-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Brunel started the second quarter strongly, but Binns and Sara Bayman kick-started Team Bath’s offence with lightning quick passing and swift interplay through midcourt as TeamBath ended the half the better to stretch their lead to 28-12 at the halfway mark.

Head coach Jan Crabtree made some changes at half-time, switching Tamsin Greenway from wing attack to goal attack and bringing on Sasha Corbin at wing attack and Natalie Seaton at wing defence.

Cookey returned to goal attack for the final period, hitting nine from nine to ensure TeamBath secured a comfortable-looking 52-28 winning margin over third-placed Brunel Hurricanes.
Geva Mentor
But Geva Mentor (pictured), a Team Bath and England defender, said the game was closer than the scoreline suggested.

“It was a really physical game and it felt a lot closer than the scoreline showed,” she said. “It was quite reassuring to look up at the score every so often during the game and to see that we were so many goals up, but the final scoreline didn’t really show what the game was like.

“In the final quarter we’d built up a bit of a cushion, so we were able to enjoy it a bit more and play with an extra bit of flair, which is the way we like to play,” she added.

Head coach Jan Crabtree said: “I’m very pleased with our performance. They caused us some problems to start with and we lost our timing, but we worked hard to get it back.

“In particular, I thought Sara Bayman was outstanding, closing down the space in defence and demonstrating some excellent drive and decision-making in bringing the ball through the midcourt - in fact, all that a centre courter should be.”

The Team Bath v Brunel Hurricanes game is the Sky Sports feature game on their weekly netball coverage. The full game will be shown on Sky Sports on Thursday (15th February). The first screening is at 5.30pm on Sky Sports Xtra. Check TV listings for full details.

TeamBath continue the defence of their Superleague title at the University of Bath Sports Training Village on Saturday 24th February in a game starting at 1.30pm.

For information about tickets for Team Bath’s home games please call 01225 383791 or email events@teambath.com

Team Bath starting line-up v Brunel Hurricanes: Rachel Dunn (GS), Pamela Cookey (goal attack), Tamsin Greenway (WA), Jo Binns (C), Sara Bayman (WD), Billy Bowers (GD), Geva Mentor (GK).

3rd Q changes: Greenway to GA, Sasha Corbin to WA, Natalie Seaton to WD. 4th Q changes: Cookey to GA, Bayman to C.

Quarter scores (TeamBath second): 6-15, 6-13, 8-11, 8-13.

Team Bath shooting stats: Dunn 30 from 45, Cookey 18 from 22, Greenway 4 from 7.

The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its Team Bath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.

Thanks to Matchtight for this report.

TeamBath vs Leeds Met Carnegie - Saturday 3rd February

TeamBath netted the highest score in netball’s Superleague as they ran out 81-19 winners over Leeds Met Carnegie at the Sports Training Village tonight (Saturday).

The result means Team Bath maintain their place at the top of the Superleague and their 100 per cent record so far this season as they continue their bid to retain the Superleague title.

The University of Bath-based side dominated the match that pitted the top Superleague side against the bottom team.

England international Tamsin Greenway got TeamBath off to a solid start hitting 100 per cent of her goal attempts in the first quarter – a feat repeated by her TeamBath and England team-mate Pamela Cookey in the final quarter.

Greenway ended up with 17 goals from 19 attempts, while Cookey hit 25 from 30 and Rachel Dunn 39 from 48.

And while Team Bath impressed in the shooting circle, captain Billy Bowers was also outstanding in defence.

Jan Crabtree, Team Bath’s head coach, said: “We produced some nice flowing play throughout the court, our shooting was good and I was pleased that our consistency was much better tonight.

“I was also pleased with the way our players applied themselves to the tasks that we set them throughout the match,” she added.

University of Bath student Cookey, who has just returned from England’s 3-0 test series whitewash of South Africa, said: “It was good to come back together as a team again after the Christmas break and a great start to the second phase of the season.”

Team Bath return to action on Monday 12th February in a first versus second clash, when they travel to Brunel Hurricanes.

Team Bath’s starting line-up vs Leeds Met Carnegie: Rachel Dunn (GS), Tamsin Greenway (GA), Sasha Corbin (WA), Sara Bayman (C), Natalie Seaton (WD), Billy Bowers (GD), Geva Mentor (GK).

Changes: 2nd quarter: Pamela Cookey to GA, Gemma Fletcher to GK. 3rd quarter: Cookey to GS, Greenway to GA, Seaton to C, Bayman to WD, Mentor to GD. 4th quarter: Dunn to GS, Cookey to GA, Greenway to WA, Bowers to GD, Mentor to GK.


Quarter scores (Team Bath first): 19-6, 18-3, 23-7, 21-3

Thanks to Matchtight for this report.

Mavericks vs TeamBath - Friday 15th December

Team Bath’s netballers extended their unbeaten run to four matches at the top of netball’s Superleague with a hard-fought 40-36 away win over second-placed Mavericks of Hertford.

Team Bath Starting Seven: GS: Rachel Dunn; GA: Pamela Cookey; WA: Tamsin Greenway; C: Jo Binns; WD: Natalie Seaton; GD: Billy Bowers (CAPT); GK: Geva Mentor
Shooting stats: Dunn: 29 from 32; Greenway: 8 from 13; Cookey 3 from 6.

Thanks to Matchtight for this report.

TeamBath’s next match is at home in Bath on Saturday 3rd February 5pm vs Leeds Met Carnegie.

TeamBath vs Northern Thunder – Saturday 9th December

TeamBath’s netballers are now the only side with a 100 per cent record in the Superleague after beating Northern Thunder 75-34 in Liverpool on Saturday (9th December).

The South West Superleague side were again in impressive form in their first away game of the season.  England shooters Pamela Cookey (pictured) and Tamsin Greenway were outstanding, both converting upper-80 per cent of their goal-attempts.

TeamBath raced away to a strong start, out-scoring their opponents by 20-7 in the first quarter – and never looked back.
“I was pleased with the performance, particularly in the shooting circle,” said TeamBath head coach Jan Crabtree. “We put out some different shooting combinations and they all functioned well,” she said.
“I was very impressed by Thunder though, they made things tough for us,” she added.

Brunel Hurricanes, the only other side with a 100 per cent record going into the third weekend of the Superleague, lost that record when they went down 42-29 to Loughborough Lightning. Mavericks climbed to second place courtesy of a 46-30 win over Team Northumbria.  That means TeamBath take part in a first versus second clash on Friday (15th December) when the two sides meet in Bedford.

TeamBath: GS Pamela Cookey, GA Tamsin Greenway, WA Sasha Corbin, C Jo Binns, WD Sara Bayman, GD Billy Bowers, GK Geva Mentor.

3rd quarter changes: Rachel Dunn to GS, Pamela Cookey to WA, Natalie Seaton to WD, Geva Mentor to GD, Gemma Fletcher GK

4th quarter changes: Tamsin Greenway to WA, Pamela Cookey to GA, Sara Bayman to C.

Quarter scores Northern Thunder - TeamBath: 7-20, 14-19, 5-18, 8-18

Thanks to Matchtight for this report.

TeamBath vs Celtic Dragons – Friday 1st December

Team Bath lived up to their reputation for young player development by putting Sasha Corbin and Gemma Fletcher in their opening line-up and giving Eboni Beckford-Chambers a run-out in the final quarter at goal-keeper to replace Fletcher.  Home coach Jan Crabtree rested her captain Billy Bowers for the first half of this fixture against a side which is coached this season by former Team Bath player Jess Garland and features two of Team Bath’s 2006 Superleague-winning squad, Claire Elsley and Bianca Modeste.

“I’m pleased with the performance” said Crabtree after the match. “Some of our younger players got some exposure tonight and coped with it very well”.
“It’s frightening”, added Bowers. “All this young talent in our squad and they played very well tonight”.

The visitors started brightly. Capitalising on some faltering early Team Bath moves, as the new home line-up settled in, they came close to closing down the early Team Bath lead at 5-8 in the first quarter. Two near misses in the shooting circle proved the difference and Team Bath pulled away to take the first quarter by 18-7.
Courtesy of some breathtaking sequences of speed-passing, Team Bath had stretched their lead to 32-13 by half-time. This was despite some good work in the circle by shooters Shenaide Blucher and Chrissie Munro for Dragons and some lively mid-court play between Elsley and visiting captain Anna Mayes. Modeste was also sharp in defence and made some big intercepts.

At three-quarter time Crabtree unleashed Bowers but in the unusual position of wing-defence. Sarah Bayman came on as centre with Tamsin Greenway on at goal-attack for Pamela Cookey who suffered an injury three minutes before the break. Inexorably the revised line-up built on the early lead to move to 52-15.

In the final quarter Beckford Chambers started at goal-keeper for Team Bath, Bowers, moved to her more normal role at goal-defence, Bayman switched places to wing-defence with Jo Binns moving to centre. Dunn, Team Bath’s super-accurate England shooter who was voted Player of the Match on Monday, was rested for the final quarter with Cookey coming back on as goal-shooter.

Binns perhaps played the best quarter yet of this season’s campaign with some quality reflex play and quick passing into the circle. Whatever Dragons tried, Team Bath had an answer and piled on the goals. With five minutes remaining they moved to 61-17 before the final whistle at 68-19.

Team line ups:
Team Bath: GS Rachel Dunn; GA: Pamela Cookey; WA: Sasha Corbin; C: Jo Binns ; WD: Natalie Seaton; GD: Geva Mentor; GK Gemma Fletcher.
Bench: Sara Bayman, Eboni Beckford-Chambers, Billy Bowers, Tamsin Greenway, Monique Wood.
Celtic Dragons: GS: Shenaide Blucher ; GA: Chrissie Munro; WA Anna Mayes; C: Suzy Diane; WD: Claire Elsley; GD: Jo Blanks; GK: Bianca Modeste.
Bench: Ffion Reach, Anna Joll, Jamilla Abbott, Rachelle Modeste, Sian Carrington.
Quarter scores: (Team Bath first) 18-7, 14-6, 20-2, 16-4

Thanks to Matchtight for this match report

TeamBath vs Loughborough Lightning – Monday 27th November

A great start to the season for Netball Superleague defending champions TeamBath.  Monday 27th November saw them clash with rivals Loughborough Lightning under the spotlight of the Sky Sports television cameras.  Loughborough started poorly and were trailing badly at the end of the first quarter.  However, down but not out Loughborough fought back hard through quarters 2, 3 and 4, inspired as Team Captain Olivia Murphy (ex England Captain) took to the court.

In the end though Loughborough couldn’t match the Bath pace and tempo.  In a physical match TeamBath triumphed 56-42 with solid performances from the whole team.  Billy Bowers (GD) dominated the centre court play turning over Loughborough balls.  TeamBath Goal Shooter Rachel Dunn was voted player of the match.  Dunn showed great athletic ability throughout the match, moving with speed and agility in the shooting circle, converting 34 goals of 40 attempts.

Team Line Ups:
Team Bath: GS Rachel Dunn; GA: Tamsin Greenway; WA: Pamela Cookey; C: Sara Bayman; WD: Natalie Seaton; GD: Billy Bowers; GK Geva Mentor.
Bench: Eboni Beckford-Chambers, Jo Binns, Sasha Corbin, Gemma Fletcher, Monique Wood.

Loughborough Lightning: GS: Alex Astle; GA: Lisa Stephenson; WA: Vicky Percy; C: Jade Clark; WD: Charlotte O’Neill; GD: Verona Tomlin; GK: Hannah Reid.
Bench: Olivia Murphy, Sarah Penny, Natasha Hampshire, Kara Luck and Becky James.

Quarter scores: (Team Bath first) 15-4, 13-11, 11-14, 17-13.
Shooting stats: Rachel Dunn 34 from 40 (85%); Greenway 9 from 14 (64%); Cookey 13 from 17 (76%).