Bath Bag Big Win

Personal pride is at stake as Team Northumbria prepare to take on two of Netball Superleague’s prime movers with just a single win to their name.

That’s the message coming out of the Sport Central camp after a fourth loss of the season all but ended hopes of a top four finish.

TN never looked like toppling Team Bath despite a strong start and the visitors powered to a 52-41 win on Tyneside.

But skipper Sam Holt insisted the upcoming clashes against top two Northern Thunder and Surrey Storm were far from dead rubbers ahead of the mid-season split.

“It looks like the top four is out of reach but we have to set new goals and a new focus,” said the battling Aussie.

“Thunder and Storm boast star-studded rosters and I don’t think anyone will expect us to win those games.

“But as a player in the NSL I want to test myself against the best and that’s all the motivation I need.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges those games will present and I’d like to think that’s the attitude across the board.”

TN will take on the NSL’s title contenders determined to repeat the form that saw them topple Celtic Dragons earlier this season.

But Holt could barely hide her disappointment at a chance missed against Bath.

“There’s no doubt we’re missing Vicky Burgess both as an individual and because of the knock-on effect that has across the court,” she added.

“As a relatively new team we miss her experience at the top level.

“And we still don’t know each other - or perhaps trust each other - enough in the pressure situations to pull off the wins without her.”

TN trailed by two after a quarter and by five at half-time with Kiwi import Emma Woodings filling in for Burgess at centre and Jade Johnson starting at wing defence.

The hosts trimmed Bath’s lead by a goal going into the final period as they settled into a better passing rhythm and finally found their range in offence.

But any hopes of a fourth quarter comeback were dashed as Bath turned up the heat and took full advantage of some tired passes.

“Fatigue or a lack of fitness certainly shouldn’t have been an issue,” added Holt. “Perhaps the other teams are starting to catch us up in that respect as it’s an area we work hard on and we’re always well prepared.

“I just felt their goal keeper and goal defence started to get on top of us towards the end but there were still plenty of positives to take away from a tough game.

“Claire Brown got some good minutes under her belt and didn’t allow Mia Ritchie time to settle.

“And it was good to see Hayley Cameron coming on at the end. She played well under pressure alongside Darcie Worsdale and proves we have another attacking option.”

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