TEAM BATH ROAR INTO SUPERLEAGUE TOP FOUR
- Details
- Created on Saturday, 03 March 2012 06:52
- Last Updated on Saturday, 03 March 2012 08:43
- Published on Saturday, 03 March 2012 06:52
Becky Watkins inspired new-look Team Bath’s last quarter comeback to beat Yorkshire Jets 53-49 and book a 2012 Fiat Netball Superleague top four spot.
Bath began the final quarter trailing by seven and wing defence Watkins off the bench and in the thick of the action – roared on by a partisan 800-strong home support.
Team Bath coach Jess Garland admitted: “Becky inspired the others, was really hungry and won the ball early.
“For some of these players it was their first big match at this level and I think the nerves showed in the first three quarters. They just needed to have confidence.”
Bath scored eight goals in eight minutes without reply after a succession of turnovers before trading goals with their visitors and taking the score to 49-all as goal shooter Kadeen Corbin upped the ante.
Once ahead the home team piled on the pressure in the closing three minutes to win 53-49 to complete a great, late turnaround.
Team Bath now move into the newly-devised split league where the top four play each other in a league format.
Garland admits: “We wanted to finish in the top four and it’s been tough getting here. Lots of people said we wouldn’t make it. Now our target must be a top three finish.”
Quarter scores (Team Bath first) Q1 12-12 Q2 11 – 14 (23-26) Q3 12-16 (35-42) Q4 18-7 (53-49)
Starting seven GS: Kadeen Corbin, GA: Asha Francis (capt), WA: Amanda Trounce, C: Mia Ritchie, WD: Scarlett Williams, GD: Gemma Fletcher, GK: Sam Cook. Bench Millie Grey, Becky Watkins, Kate McGinley, Kat Hayes, Emily Rose.
Q2 changes Francis to GS; Corbin to GA; Fletcher to GK; Cook to GD. Hayes – GS (for Corbin injury) Q3 Corbin (after injury) from B-GS; Cook GD –GK, Fletcher from GK – GD. Q4 Williams from WD – B, Watkins from B-WD, Cook from GK – GD, Fletcher GD – GK.
Shooting stars Kadeen Corbin 39 from 45 (86.67 per cent)
Asha Francis 12 from 15 (80 per cent)
Hayes 2 from 2 (100%)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.