Team Bath have recorded their first victory of the 2026 NXT Gen League season – at the fifth attempt.
Lottie Robinson was named Team Bath’s most valuable player in the NXT Gen League victory over Birmingham Panthers on Friday 6th March | Photo © Josh Le Feuvre
Following losses to London Pulse, Nottingham Forest, Leeds Rhinos and Manchester Thunder in their opening four matches, the Blue & Gold overcame visitors Birmingham Panthers 54-51 on Friday 6th March thanks to an excellent all-round performance.
The result means Team Bath have moved onto four points but remain in penultimate place in table, above LexisNexis Dragons. The Somerset outfit will face the Dragons – who have lost all five of their fixtures – in Cardiff on Friday 13th March.
It was nip and tuck throughout an absorbing evening at a sold-out Team Bath Arena for the clash with the Panthers, who are one place but only four points ahead of the Blue & Gold following their defeat.
Neither side could build a significant lead until the dying minutes when a surge of defensive pressure combined with clinical finishing in attack allowed the hosts, who have played one match fewer than Birmingham, to make a decisive break.
With mid-courter Becca Hinkins back in action after a lengthy injury rehabilitation and Saskia Lea awarded a first start of the season at GA, the starting seven had a fresh, exciting feel.
Becca Hinkins returned from injury to help Team Bath record their first win of the NXT Gen League season – against Birmingham Panthers | Photo © Josh Le Feuvre
Team Bath’s attacking unit showed the composure and patience they had been searching for, working the ball effectively against a physical Birmingham defence.
Daisy Harrison, Lottie Robinson and Poppy Tydeman combined superbly at the other end to create turnovers against a tall and experienced visiting attack featuring 6’5” Emma Barrie, former England Academy player Pippa Dixon and ex-Super League shooter Sophie Egbaran.
Through-court play was sharp and controlled as Team Bath, looking composed in possession, went goal for goal with their opponents.
An ankle injury suffered by Harrison, who had been delivering a standout performance, led to Sydney Sawyers entering the fray at GD and Robinson shifting back to GK shortly before a half-time interval that saw the hosts leading 26-25.
Momentum continued to swing both ways during the second half but, with three minutes remaining, the Blue & Gold opened up a four-goal lead – one of the largest margins of the match.
Despite Birmingham’s relentless physicality in the closing stages, Team Bath held firm to secure the win.
Robinson was named most valuable player for an outstanding defensive performance across the full 60 minutes, her composure and leadership at the back providing stability for the team and helping generate key opportunities for the attack.
Team Bath starting seven: GK Daisy Harrison, GD Lottie Robinson, WD Poppy Tydeman, C Becca Hinkins, WA Ellen Morgan, GA Saskia Lea, GS Lily Jones.
Team Bath impact players: Lucy Button, Lucy Herdman, Katherine Mansfield, Sydney Sawyers, Lowri Windsor.
Tickets for the Blue & Gold’s remaining two home matches of the month – against Loughborough Lightning on Friday 20th March (7pm) and London Mavericks on Saturday 28th March (3pm) – are available at netball.teambath.com/tickets
