Team Bath Netball marginally defeat Leeds Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos welcomed back the return of Donnell Wallam into the starting seven for the first time since fracturing her wrist.

It took time for both teams to settle into the game with unforced errors being made across all areas of the court. The first 12 minutes ended up going goal for goal with Bath missing a last second penalty shot to go into the second period at 10 goals apiece.

Imogen Allison came on in the second quarter for Bath who had a huge impact in defence and in turn contributed to the increase in momentum for the current league leaders.

Rhinos kept pushing and began to release the ball early to Wallam in the goal shooter position, who stood strong and scored some excellent goals from difficult positions to keep the Yorkshire side in contest.

Bath gained an advantage throughout the second period, going into the second half with a five-goal lead at 20-25.

Rhinos continued to work tirelessly in defence but struggled to find ways through the court in attack. The introduction of Summer Artman in the goal-keeper position for Bath offered something new for Rhinos to think about in terms of the feeds into the circle.

Bath maintained their lead in the third quarter, stretching it to a six-goal advantage heading into the final period.

The battle between the current Roses captain Serena Guthrie and the most capped England player Jade Clarke in the centre positions for these two sides was a contest that stood out in both attack and defence.

Rhinos increased the intensity in the final 12 minutes, bringing it back to within three mid-way through the quarter. Yet Bath continued to plug away and a couple of unforced errors meant that they had gained their six-goal advantage back only a two minutes later.

This is how the score line played out in the final moments of the game with Bath winning 46-52. The advantage they gained in the second quarter proved to be difference between the sides in the end.

Age Partnership Player of the Match: Imogen Allison (Team Bath Netball).

Match report from Leeds Rhinos Netball / Hannah Clarke.

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