NETBALL TeamBath under-14s showed plenty of fighting spirit to finish fourth in the South West regional tournament staged at the University of Bath Sports Training Village on Sunday.

Eight teams – two each from Exeter and Poole, together with TeamBath, Redruth, St Austell and Hucclecote – contested a round-robin competition, with the top two going forward to the national finals in Manchester on May 8-9.

TeamBath made a dream start, beating Storm (Redruth) 16-3, but then lost 12-3 to favourites Poole Jewels.

They got back on track by beating West Exeter 11-6, Poole Opals 10-3 and St Austell 12-6, and sat second in the table with two games to go.

TeamBath started strongly against Exeter and goals went with the centre pass until the final minute, when Exeter turned the ball over to grab an 8-7 win.

In the final match gainst old rivals Hucclecote, TeamBath knew only a win would secure second spot but, after going into half-time level at 6-6, they were beaten 12-10 and dropped to fourth.

Hucclecote finished third, with Poole Jewels and Exeter progressing to the nationals.

The TeamBath squad comprised of Kate Arthur, Molly Buxton, Thea Grattidge, Poppy Kevelighan, Katie Kohn, Jess Matthews, Ellie Milner, Molly Roberts, Flossie Thomas, Olivia Wills and Ellie Wozniak.