TeAroha Keenan wasted no time in turning her attention to Saturday’s homecourt clash against Severn Stars after Team Northumbria slipped to a sixth straight Netball Superleague defeat.
The Sport Central club went down 47-38 following a battling display in Bath - a feisty performance that persuaded TN’s coach that a first win of the season is imminent.
“We’ve targeted the Stars match for a couple of weeks now and the last two matches have been preparation for that game,” said Keenan.
“Of course we’ve had the setback of losing Leah Kennedy in that time and that’s meant a change of plan.
“But we’ve been exploring all of the available options this week and we’re confident we’ll have a new face in the squad come next weekend.
“I was proud of the girls’ performance against Bath and it proved we’re heading in the right direction. They pummelled us at their place last season but this time they knew they’d been in a fight.”
TN only trailed by two goals heading into the final quarter in front of a crowd of 1,200 at the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village.
But for the second time in five days centre Jaydene Robinson was sin-binned for her over-aggressive approach and with six players on court the visitors slipped to defeat.
“I have to say that I disagreed vehemently with the decision to send Jaydene to the sidelines during the Manchester match last Monday,” added Keenan.
“So let’s just get the situation in context. Of course I am concerned when my players are sent off but these were two very different situations.
“Jaydene was upset but I’ve told her she needs to be mentally tougher when she comes up against senior players who will try to goad her.
“It’s something that has always happened. Older players will target younger players who they feel are a threat and Jaydene has to stay cool in that situation.”
Keenan’s assertion that Bath felt under pressure throughout a scrappy match was echoed by the hosts’ coach Anna Stembridge.
She added: “Credit to TN for disrupting our play - that could have led to us being disconnected but we backed each other up well and came through it.”
Team Bath’s Imogen Allison also pointed to what was a physical clash and added: “It was a bit of a battle and it didn’t come easy.”
TN will look to bolster their squad later this week ahead of Saturday’s clash with expansion side Stars (6pm centre pass). Tickets are on sale now .
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