Beaten but unbowed Team Northumbria travel to Surrey on Monday buoyed by another strong first half against one of this season’s title contenders.
TeAroha Keenan’s side were within four goals of Wasps for most of the opening 30 minutes at the Ricoh Arena.
And although the hosts finally closed out a 68-46 victory there were plenty of positives to take from another tough away test.
Welsh defender Evie Brereton was drafted in for a first start of the season in the absence of the injured Noleen Lennon with Fi Toner starting at wing defence.
And TN’s summer signing looked up for the fight alongside the consistent Tuaine Keenan.
Georgia Rowe and England Under 21 cap Chiara Semple resumed their prolific partnership in the attacking circle and both players made an instant impression.
TN drew level at 12-12 in the closing minutes of the opening quarter to silence the homecourt crowd.
And the Sport Central club applied further pressure at the outset of the second period to stay in contention at 28-25.
But Wasps were in no mood to entertain an NSL shock and the big spending top flight rookies finally turned the screw towards the end of the first half.
With one eye on the Surrey Storm clash, playcaller Keenan sensed an opportunity to rotate her seven after the break.
And TN’s coaching staff will give both Lennon and Rachel Bird late fitness tests before travelling down to Guildford tomorrow.
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