Team Bath overcome Celtic Dragons

After a close opening period, five-time Vitality Netball Superleague champions Team Bath Netball pulled away to lead 9-6 halfway through the quarter.

Great defensive pressure combined with speed through court saw the Blue & Gold establish a seven-goal cushion at the end of the first 15.

Celtic Dragons came out fighting at the start of the second quarter, closing the gap to just three thanks to some sharp shooting from Kalifa McCollin and Chelsea Lewis.

However, as the intensity went up another notch, Team Bath found an extra gear and momentum switched in their favour.

The Blue & Gold defensive pairing of Eboni Usoro-Brown and Summer Artman proved hard for Dragons to break down and instead the Welsh side's progress up court and attack was thwarted as Team Bath stretched out to a 31-18 lead at halftime.

Rachel Shaw and the returning Serena Guthrie both displayed their athleticism and fine reading of the play in the opening stages of the third quarter, flying in to win the ball back.

Team Bath displayed their strength in depth as Beryl Friday made her Vitality Netball Superleague debut and quickly found her range to push the Blue & Gold out to a 40-21 lead.

Going into the final quarter, Chartie Curtis entered the fray and impressed on her debut as Team Bath professionally saw out the game to take a 58-41 opening day victory.