THE pre-season tournament between the Celtic Dragons, London Pulse and Team Bath gave sides one more chance for a final hit out before the Vitality Superleague kicks off at the end of the month. In the end it was Team Bath that came out victorious winning both of their games to claim early bragging rights and stamp their authority on the competition.

Celtic Dragons (26) defeated by London Pulse (33)

Despite scoring the opening goal of the game, the Celtic Dragons were unable to maintain that high intensity with the London Pulse using their ball movement and speed to punish their opposition. Pulse steadily increased their lead at each break heading into half-time with an eight-goal advantage thanks to the likes of South African goaler Sigi Burger sitting pretty under the post. Burger is deadly when on song able to use her footwork to manoeuvre her way around the goal circle and use her commanding height to hold strong. Goal attack Chiara Semple played a solid support role to the South African, while down the other end the defensive combination of Kate Lloyd and Halimat Adio proved too strong picking up a wealth of intercepts. With the odds stacked against them, the Dragons fought their way back into contention reducing the margin back to five goals. New recruit Latanya Wilson did not muck around making an immediate impact with her defensive intent and long reach. Paired with Dee Bolakoro the two made for a dominant force but simply could not contain Burger.

Team Bath (44) defeated London Pulse (32)

Both sides had plenty to prove with Team Bath hoping to get the early ascendancy and the Pulse aiming to make it two from two, however it was Bath that got the last laugh with a 12-goal victory. It was a hot contest with neither side able to be separated at half-time with 19 goals apiece despite Team Bath being up at quarter time. A slight lapse in concentration left the door open for the Pulse but an 11-goal third quarter and 14-goal final term all but slammed it shut. Kim Commane was strong under the post using her body positioning to hold her space while goal attack Sophie Drakeford Lewis went about her business using her speed and quick hands to full advantage. Wing defence Imogen Allison used her defensive pressure to swat balls away while goal keeper Summer Artman also made her presence felt down back with timely intercepts and her ability to confuse the space for the likes of Olivia Tchine and Semple. Jamaican Adean Thomas was strong through the midcourt able to hit the circle edge for Pulse pairing well with Michelle Drayne in centre but their influence was not enough to get the Pulse over the line with Team Bath running out with a 12-goal victory.

Team Bath (40) defeated Celtic Dragons (18)

In the final game of the tournament, Team Bath flexed their muscles to take home a 22-goal victory over the Dragons. Unfortunately, the Dragons failed to register a win in the tournament with Bath proving too strong from the get-go. They kept that momentum rolling throughout the game with the Dragons struggling to find answers after half time for their quick ball movement. Commane was unstoppable once again finding the net with ease and using her baseline drives to claim prime positioning. Fionnuala Toner owned the wing defence position while Khanyisa Chawane made her presence felt in centre running hard both ways and showcasing her defensive tendencies. Both sides were not afraid to empty the bench and give everyone a chance to pull on the bib and have an influence across the court. The fourth quarter was messy with intercepts galore for both sides but Team Bath were simply too good and clinical across the board to be fazed by the Dragons. Despite goal shooter, Brittany Coleman’s best efforts she was unable to get easy access to the post, well covered for large chunks of the game. Shona O’Dwyer and Paige Kindred worked tirelessly through the midcourt but in the end, Team Bath were in total control.