NSL 2024: LONDON PULSE v TEAM BATH – MATCH PREVIEW
Who – Team Bath
When – Saturday April 20, 7pm
Where – Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Park, London
London Pulse have the chance to complete a first Superleague double of the season, and with it record a sixth successive victory when they host Team Bath in Round 10 on Saturday.
Just six weeks ago, Pulse chalked up a franchise record 76 goals against Bath and since then Sam Bird’s team have won four of the five games they have played.
Bath meanwhile have continued a losing run that stretches back to their only win of the season – against Strathclyde Sirens in Round 1.
Bird has decisions to make too, and has suggested there will be some changes for the game, having stuck with the same seven throughout Monday’s narrow victory over Saracens Mavericks.
“We are going in with a plan, but we will see some slightly different personnel,” Bird said.
“It was so nip and tuck against Mavericks that I didn’t think it was fair to change the roster in a game when it is that tight.”
In recent weeks, Nichole Taljaard, Darcie Everitt and Jeresia McEachrane have been influential figures off the bench, while Alicia Scholes took the Centre bib in the early stages of the win over Strathclyde Sirens.
As the season moves into the second half, Bird is keen to assess all her options having already seen the impact of injuries on the squad as Brie Grierson joined Jade Clarke on the sidelines.
“We are looking for opportunities to take a look at the ‘what ifs’ – for example if Izzi were not available, and with Jade still not back on the court, what are our alternatives in that position and this is a game we may try to explore that under pressure.”
Having been serial contenders down the Superleague years, Bath are in something of a transitional phase and a number of different combinations have been put out on court.
Despite their losing run, Bird is under no illusion that like any team on their day they are capable of causing problems and Pulse will be armed with a plan to deal with the threat posed while also looking to clean up a few of their own issues.
“Bath represent a completely different challenge again as you are never quite sure who is going to play so it is harder to know what you are going to be up against,” she added.
“The focus is on us and meeting those high percentage markers that we set for ourselves.
“We have been looking at reducing our error count and that is working – it’s still not as low as we would like it if we are to be in the top four play offs but that’s improving.
“There will be some different personnel on the court but with the same ambition to stamp our authority on the second half of the season.”
It promises to be another memorable occasion at the Copper Box, where a lively atmosphere has helped get the team over the line in close contests at home against Loughborough and less than a week ago against Mavs.
The players have spoken about the value of home advantage, and Bird knows another big crowd will have a part to play if they are to strengthen their third place in the NSL table.
“We have sold out the bottom tier, we have got the Road to the Copper Box junior competition that have their final before the game. Its contributed to ticket sales, and it should also be a really high octane, loud audience which will be great for the teams to play in.”
NEXT FIVE FIXTURES
Round 11 – Severn Stars, Away (live on BBC iPlayer)
Round 12 – Leeds Rhinos, Home (Crystal Palace Arena)
Round 13 – Surrey Storm, Home (live on Sky Sports YouTube)
Round 14 – Strathclyde Sirens, Away
Round 15 – Cardiff Dragons, Home
THE OPPONENTS – TEAM BATH
Head Coach: Asha Francis
This Season: 9th (W1 D0 L8 F417 A598 Pts 3)
Form (last 6 games): L L L L L L
Last Time Out – Lost 46-52 v Cardiff Dragons (Home)
Starting Seven: GK – Putt; GD – Pechova; WD – Pavelin; C – Maslen; WA – Dyke; GA – Kelly; GS – Burton. Bench – Catling, Ervine, Harris, K Corbin, Barrie.
HISTORY
Have been a Superleague benchmark ever since becoming founder members in 2005-06. A production line that has produced a who’s who of Superleague and England Roses netball stars has also brought five Superleague titles – more than any other team.
Won their first in 2006 with a squad featuring Pamela Cookey, Rachel Dunn, Stacy Francis, Tamsin Greenway, Geva Mentor and current Roses coach Jess Thirlby.
After winning four of the first five competitions they last won the title in 2013 – under the guidance of Thirlby. Missed out on the top four in 2023 for the first time since 2015.
STORY SO FAR
After a significant off season of change, Bath have struggled to find a rhythm so far this season with Asha Francis yet to settle on a regular starting seven. Having squeezed past Strathclyde Sirens in Nottingham at the Season Opener it has been a run of eight defeats, conceding some big totals along the way.
Tash Pavelin and former Pulse athlete Jayda Pechova will carry the turnover threat. Pavelin has 14 interceptions for the season – only four players have more and she also makes the league’s top 10 in deflections. Pechova has 31 gains with her ability to win ball in the defensive end key to any Bath hopes.
Squad – Jayda Pechova, Tash Pavelin, Lisa Putt, Lily-May Catling, Phoebe Maslen, Ellie Ervine, Bethan Dyke, Kirsty Harris, Sophie Kelly, Sloane Burton, Kadeen Corbin, Emma Barrie.
HEAD TO HEAD
Played – 10; London Pulse – 4; Team Bath – 6
Pulse racked up their record Superleague score in the first meeting this season – a 76-43 win in Bath in Round 4, the third game in succession they have scored 70 or more goals against the Blue and Gold.
After losing their first four matches against the Blue and Gold, Pulse have had the upper hand recently with four wins coming in the last six meetings.
The only non regular season game came in 2022 when Bath claimed third place after both teams suffered semi-final defeat in the play-offs.
Last 5 meetings
Round 4, 2024 – Team Bath 43-76 London Pulse
Round 12, 2023 – Team Bath 48-70 London Pulse
Round 2, 2023 – London Pulse 72-42 Team Bath
3rd Place, 2022 – Team Bath 36-32 London Pulse
Round 12, 2022 – Team Bath 62-41 London Pulse
Round 10 Other Fixtures
Friday – Loughborough Lightning 68-60 Saracens Mavericks
Friday – Cardiff Dragons 55-58 Surrey Storm
Friday – Strathclyde Sirens 44-55 Leeds Rhinos
Friday – Manchester Thunder 61-46 Severn Stars