"The girls really got their heads down after the Storm game and it was pleasing to see them respond like that, they put out a performance to be proud of"
Tuesday 12 February 2019 17:23, UK
Team Bath Head Coach Anna Stembridge hailed her side's performance as they recorded their biggest win of the Netball Superleague season so far with an impressive 75-50 victory over Loughborough Lightning on Saturday.
Bath suffered a disappointing 56-50 home defeat to Surrey Storm in their previous fixture, but they returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion to maintain their perfect record on the road and move up to third in the Vitality Superleague table.
"The girls really got their heads down after the Storm game and it was pleasing to see them respond like that, they put out a performance to be proud of," said Stembridge.
"Loughborough have had some personnel changes but they are still a really good side and the final scoreline doesn't reflect what a well-contested game it was.
"We had a game plan that we stuck to for most of the game and we brought real intensity right across the court. We were relentless in defence as a team and we were slick in attack, displaying some really good ball speed.
"There was no sitting back on the lead either - we won all four quarters and maintained a high level of performance throughout, with the players who came off the bench - Leila Thomas for her debut, Mia Ritchie and Beryl Friday - all making an impact."
Team Bath named the same starting seven that featured against Storm, with shooter Kim Commane producing a clinical display to lead the visitors to victory.
The Australian converted 43 of her 45 shots as Bath dominated from the outset. They led 39-25 at half-time and stretched their advantage to 56-37 in the third quarter, before prevailing by a comprehensive 25-goal margin.
"Kim was sensational on Saturday, both in terms of creativity and her shooting," Stembridge added. "A 96 per cent conversion rate is outstanding and she demonstrated great leadership at critical times as well."
Saturday's win over Lightning saw Team Bath record their third successive away win of the campaign, after they overcame Celtic Dragons and Strathclyde Sirens in the opening two rounds of fixtures.
They'll be bidding to maintain their perfect record on the road this Saturday live on Sky Sports, when they travel to face fourth-placed Mavericks, who suffered a narrow 54-50 defeat against league leaders Wasps on Monday night.
Bath and Mavericks are currently level on points and it's a fixture that could have big repercussions in the battle to finish in the top four.
"There has always been a great rivalry between Team Bath and Mavericks over the years and some memorable matches," said Stembridge.
"We have done our homework and will be looking to put out a well thought-out game plan for the full 60 minutes.
"Mavericks are creative and athletic in attack and are rangy and deceptive in defence, so we will have to be smart with our approach. We're looking forward to the match, it should be a good contest."
Watch more Vitality Netball Superleague action when Saracens Mavericks host Team Bath Netball on Saturday February 16, live on Sky Sports Mix and Arena from 6.45pm. Also, Sky Sports will be showing every game of the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup in July.
