Sport Wasps recover from slow start to reach final

WASPS Netball secured their place in the Superleague Grand Final with a resounding win against Team Bath.

The win gives Tamsin Greenway’s side the opportunity to secure backto-back league titles at the Copper Box Arena in London next Saturday.

The reigning champions endured a slow start but took control in the second quarter to build a big advantage.

Wasps Netball director Greenway praised the quality of her side to bounce back from a tough opening.

“The plan came together today and we’re into the final,” said Greenway.

“There were a few nerves and it wasn’t the best start but the quality of our side was always going to pull through. I believed that if we played at our best we were always going to pull through.

“Bath are a quality side but we beat them twice this season and we thought we had the right plan to do it again.

“We went for experience today and it paid off. It was a physical game and we stood up to the pressure.

“In this game we were ruthless and pushed on when it mattered. The game was put to bed at halftime and I would have been disappointed if we had lost the big lead we had built.”

Team Bath started the stronger of the two sides, bringing intense defensive play from the first minute.

The away team rushed out to a four goal lead but Wasps goal attack Natalie Haythornthwaite scored her side’s first goal and the tide started to turn.

Former England teammates Rachel Dunn and Eboni BeckfordChambers were involved in a competitive duel in the circle throughout the first quarter, with Dunn getting the better of her compatriot as the quarter came to a close.

Dunn continued to star into the second quarter with the veteran shooter helping Wasps to build a double-digit advantage.

Wasps’ momentum was halted midway through the second quarter when a fire alarm forced play to be stopped, with Bath forcing a turnover after the break.

The hosts regained their foothold at the close of the quarter, led by a highlight reel take-and-finish by Dunn to extend their lead to 16 at half-time.

With Amy Flanagan introduced at wing defence for the third quarter, Jade Clarke moved into the centre and the change immediately paid dividends – with Clarke repeatedly creating offensive opportunities.

Wasps threatened to run-away with the game but Team Bath stayed in touch, applying defensive pressure from the front through Kadeen Corbin.

Josie Huckle entered the court for the final quarter and immediately made her presence known with an impressive flying interception.

Bath continued to fight for every ball despite the significant deficit.

A late goal from George Fisher sealed the win for Wasps, who will now move on to the Copper Box for the Superleague Grand Final on Saturday.