Saturday 2 June 2018 12:31, UK
Team Bath picked up a huge victory to draw level with Mavericks in the Vitality Superleague table after beating them on Friday night.
Bath went into the match three points adrift of their fourth-placed rivals and knowing that defeat would leave them six adrift of the semi-final places with games running out.
However Anna Stembridge's team responded with a superb display to finally come out on top in a thrilling contest, edging the match 54-45 after surviving a fightback from the visitors.
"It's always a great game between ourselves and Mavs, and tonight's contest really delivered. Mavs are a class side so we had to be good tonight and I'm proud of the way the girls responded," said Stembridge.
"We stayed composed when Mavs got to within two and stuck to our gameplan, we didn't deviate and we were absolutely clinical when we had possession. We absolutely needed that win and we're right in the mix but let's focus on one game at a time."
Bath were beaten by Sirens last week that left them playing catch-up while Mavericks have been in superb form, beating Northumbria to make it four wins from their previous five heading into the Friday night clash.
Bath started fast and despite both shooters finding their form early, it was the mid-court presence of Mia Ritchie and Imogen Allison that gave Bath the first quarter initiative by a solitary goal.
Solid play from the hosts saw them build a five-goal lead by half-time with Chelsea Lewis' quickfire start to the third quarter building that lead to nine as Bath looked like easing to the win.
But Mavericks' mix of youth and experience came back in the final 15 minutes. Trailing by eight at the start, Kat Ratnapala's team were inspired by the brilliance of shooter Karyn Bailey, whose 100% record drew them to within a couple of goals with two minutes left to play.
But a magnificent interception from Captain Eboni Beckford-Chambers helped Bath regain the initiative and they pulled away as Mavericks tired following their heroic effort to get back into the contest.
The result sets up a monumental finish to the Superleague season with the top five teams separated by six points going into Saturday's remaining Week 15 action.
Our live coverage continues on Saturday when Manchester Thunder host Wasps on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Arena from 2pm.
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