THE Big Showdown will take place over two days from December 7-8 with six teams competing in the round robin tournament hosted by Team Bath. The Saracens Mavericks, Severn Stars, Strathclyde Sires, Surrey Storm along with men’s premier team Knights will all play in a series of games over the two-day period with the top two teams progressing through to the final. Each team plays five games each.

Team Bath:

Team Bath head into the clash with a wealth of star power and exciting recruits making them a top chance of taking out a spot given their plethora of match winners. They have a good mix of youth and experience with the likes of up and coming midcourter Imogen Alison along with seasoned Roses campaigner Eboni Usoro-Brown down in the defence end.  In the shooting circle Team Bath have plenty of depth with Aussie Kim Commane able to steer the ship with her strong holds, rangy shooting and accuracy to post while youngster Sophie Drakeford-Lewis is an exciting prospect given her movement, positioning and goaling ability. New addition and SPAR Proteas representative Khanyisa Chawane will be a valued inclusion through the midcourt with her flair.

Saracens Mavericks:

The Mavericks are littered with dominant players across the court and could give any side a real run for their money credit to the strength in their line-up. Much like Team Bath they have a combination of young up and coming players along with seasoned talent. Both Kadeen and Sasha Corbin are set to take the court and will be drawing on every inch of their experience to have an impact. 21-year-old shooter George Fisher is another excitement machine for the Mavericks thanks to her strong holds. Defensively Razia Quashie offers a heap of pressure to limit the goalers opportunity to post with fellow defender Jodie Gibson joining her down back.

Severn Stars:

The Severn Stars managed a big coup louring former England Roses captain Ama Agbeze to add to their developing squad. Agbeze oozes talent able to read the play with ease and pick off any passes that come her way making her a prominent threat for opposition clubs. Georgia Rowe is no slouch able to control the ball in the goal circle and hit the scoreboard while Most Valuable Player award winner Ella Powell-Davies is a crucial cog through the midcourt.

Strathclyde Sirens:

The Sirens have had influx of players over the off-season and will be looking to make a splash in the Big Showdown and most importantly get some runs on the board with a new look team. Aussie midcourter Gia Abernethy will provide plenty of excitement able to run the court and use her speed to slice through opposition defence. SPAR Proteas defender Zanele Vimbela is another one to keep an eye out for showing her impressive aerial skills, ability to read the play and defensive pressure. The likes of Lynsey Gallagher and Claire Maxwell are also handy names renowned for their skill and general netball nous.

Surrey Storm:

The Surrey Storm will be hoping to build on their 2019 form and iron out any issues ahead of next year. Goaler Karyn Bailey has a wealth of experience able to stand under the post or get on the move when needed making her a real asset for the Storm. Youngster Leah Middleton made the switch from Queensland to the Storm and will be hoping to assert herself on the competition and make use of her skills across the court. Mikki Austin is solid through the midcourt able to find space and use the ball with precision while Northern Irelands Niamh Cooper applies strong defensive out in wing defence.

Knights:

The Knights will be up against some highly talented teams but have a heap of their own star players that can dictate the flow of a game and use their skill to their full advantage. Former Adelaide Thunderbirds and Manchester Thunder coach, Dan Ryan is set to take the court for the Knights and will be hoping to put both his body and tactical mind to the test. Netball Western Australia’s Simon Taylor will also don the bib for the Knights.