Tuesday 17 October 2017 07:48, UK
Team Bath have continued a busy few weeks of team building by confirming the arrivals of Josie Janz-Dawson and Sophie Drakeford-Lewis.
Having confirmed the return of sisters Rachel and Jess Shaw over the weekend, Team Bath took their line-up to 11 on Monday with the capture of Janz-Dawson and Drakeford-Lewis.
Aussie goalkeeper Janz-Dawson impressed for Severn Stars last season while Drakeford-Lewis is one of the emerging names in the game, the young shooter arrives from Mavericks having made her England debut at Netball Europe earlier this month.
Also on board for next season are Mia Ritchie and Tash Pavelin while Eboni Beckford-Chambers, Layla Guscoth, Chelsea Lewis and Imogen Allison are back for another season in Blue and Gold.
Alongside them is the high profile return of Roses international Kadeen Corbin as Team Bath aim to improve on last season where they were beaten in the Superleague semi-finals by Loughborough Lightning.
"We are very happy with the recruitment of our 2018 squad, having retained the core group from 2017 and graduated a number of athletes from our pathway while adding a couple of last year's most exciting performers from the league," said Team Bath Netball Superleague head coach Anna Stembridge.
"We are already into full pre-season training and the players are working hard to be the best they can be. They can't wait to take to the court and love the support from the fans. There is a buzz around this squad and we know that if we focus on what matters, game by game, we will be a top contender this season once more.
"Josie, one of the 2017 league stand-out performers, is coming to us with a wealth of experience having previously played in the professional ANZ competition with West Coast Fever - she partnered Eboni Beckford-Chambers in the defensive circle for a number of seasons."
Janz-Dawson and Drakeford-Lewis join a Team Bath squad chasing a sixth appearance in the Superleague semi-finals but a first title since 2013.
Janz-Dawson settled quickly after her move from Australia and is relishing the chance to join the Bath programme: "I'm extremely excited about joining Team Bath and look forward to building on past combinations, having previously played with Eboni for three years in the ANZ Championship, while also helping to nurture the up-and-coming young talent.
"We have a great mix of experience and youth in our playing squad but, more importantly, the right people in this club to support our players individually to grow as athletes and young women.
"Anna and Jess Thirlby have put a lot of thought into planning the bigger picture for the players, support staff, fans and wider community, and I'm blessed to be a part of this club heading in a positive direction. I cannot wait to hit the court with my team-mates."
Drakeford-Lewis was part of the England Roses squad that retained the title at Netball Europe and leaves Mavericks to combine netball with studies having begun a degree at the University of Bath last month.
"Sophie definitely was one of the most exciting young talents in the league last year, having exploded onto both the Superleague and international scene in her debut season," added Stembridge.
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