Bottom line is, Keenan expects second-half improvement by TN
TEAROHA Keenan remains confident Team Northumbria can make a telling move in the second half of the Superleague season.
However, the experienced Kiwi insists the Sport Central club are far from clear favourites heading into tonight’s basement battle against UWS Sirens on Tyneside (6.00).
On Saturday TN lost to top-four contenders Loughborough Lightning for the second time this season.
Keenan is concentrating on the clubs fighting for a top-eight finish and admitted: “It is an exciting and ever-changing situation.
“We are one of five teams fighting for sixth to 10th and there are only three points separating those five teams.
“It is all to play for but Sirens will feel the same. They beat us at their place for their only win of the season so far but I am convinced we can improve on that performance.
“For the neutral what is happening at the bottom of the Superleague is fascinating.
“There is still a big opportunity for all of the teams down there.”
A top-eight finish will guarantee a place at the 2018 Fast Fives event at the Copperbox Arena.
That remains TN’s target as they scrap for position in what has effectively become the second division of the top flight.
Twelve points separate Team Bath in fifth and Surrey Storm in sixth.
Keenan added: “I would actually like to see the Superleague split at this point with the top five breaking off from the bottom five. That would make things even more exciting.”