R1: Team Bath v Sirens

After a highly contested 60 minutes, Team Bath took the win against Strathclyde Sirens 54-40.

Sirens forced the first turnover of the match, however, Bath responded and sunk the first goal. Team Bath applied pressure early, but Sirens showed patience with the score standing 4-4 halfway into the first quarter. The defensive efforts from Nicholl and Vinkhumbo provided the team with the opportunity to take the lead, combining with McKevitt out at wing defense, Sirens made it difficult for Team Bath’s attack to feed their shooters. After the first 15 minutes, Team Bath led 11-9.

Team Bath started off the second quarter strongest leading 16-9 after 5 minutes. Sirens were determined to bring it back with Niamh McCall sinking her signature long bombs, giving the team confidence to push their opposition. McCall and Goodwin linked well within the shooting circle, demonstrating good movement and communication. With less than 2 minutes remaining, Abby Tyrrell entered the court as goalkeeper to try and disrupt Team Bath’s shooters. Within those last 2 minutes, Bath were able to score back-to-back goals, giving them the lead heading into halftime, 26-20.

The 3rd quarter saw Abernethy move to wing attack with the introduction of Claire Maxwell at center. A slow start for Sirens allowed Bath to extend out to a 9-goal lead after the first 5 minutes. Team Bath found their flow with Drakeford-Lewis proving to be an issue for the Sirens, as she dominated Bath’s attacking third. With 1 minute left, Vimkhumbo re-entered at goalkeeper and Bath were ahead going into the last 15 minutes, 42-29.

The final quarter kicked off with a few changes for the Siren’s line-up. Beth Dix was brought back on at wing attack with Abernethy back to centre and Maxwell moved to wing defense. Tyrrell replaced Nicholl on at goal defense and was able to shut down Bath’s Drakeford-Lewis. Sirens looked more
comfortable and confident in this fourth quarter, winning lots of ball early on. Cairns took the court at goal attack, sinking her first goal with 3 minutes remaining. Team Bath proved to be too strong in the season opener as they defeated Strathclyde Sirens 54-40.

Head coach Lesley MacDonald said it was “not the start we wanted in terms of result. We want to ensure we are challenging for the full 60 mins and we were too inconsistent across all 4 quarters. We will look at the game to ensure we capitalize on the learning for tomorrow to ensure we have a 60
minute performance.”

Final Score: 54-40
Player of the Match: Sophie Drakeford-Lewis