The U19 squad, from the PwC School of Excellence, travelled to the Sports Training Village prior to their training weekend and watched as Team Bath were beaten by two goals for the second time in five days.
Facing league leaders Loughborough Lightning, Bath were 29-20 down at half time but clawed back the deficit and took the lead in the third quarter – Guthrie commended on the Team Bath website as being one of three players to inspire the comeback.
The scores were balanced until three minutes from full time when Loughborough forged ahead and won 49-47.
Despite the loss Bath remain third and on course for a top four finish which will ensure them a place in the league play-offs – and a chance to retain their title.
Jersey’s coach Linda Andrews said: ‘Serena played a superb game and came into some exhilarating interceptions at crucial times which gave the crowd something to cheer about.
‘The young Bath team played their hearts out against a much more experienced Loughborough team, and as Bath player Jo Binns told me at the end of the game ?they are in the play offs and the more they can play together under this pressure, the more they can learn about the team and how to produce a winning game?.
‘Pamela Cookey was once again the driving force in the Bath attack and how she managed to keep her cool under the intense contacts was a credit to her.
She was also philosophical in defeat but I am sure under the calm exterior lies a champion ready to defend at all costs the title.’
The Jersey U19 side recorded two wins over the weekend, considered a warm up for next month’s game against Guernsey, beating Bath Club 69-30 and then Bristol University 51-37 – the latter with Guthrie and Mary Blampied starring as guest players.
They also attended a training session with Bath and England U21 coach, Lyn Gunson.
‘It was a great weekend,’ added Andrews.
‘They performed extremely well and it was a great opportunity as a development weekend to try our different combinations in preparation for the inter-insular next month – even though we won both it was more about playing different opposition and working again together.
‘The girls had to work hard with the speed of the game and the power of the pass; our decision making was sharp and the lessons learned from Lyn Gunson’s session were put into practice.
‘Lyn was very complimentary about our girls’ play and in her own imitable style showed how thinking about what you are doing or what you can do, is so important.’
Debbie Pitman also travelled as coach and the team thanked PricewaterhouseCoopers and ESC Advisory council for supporting the trip.
Sky Sports Xtra televises action from the Superleague tomorrow from 5-7 pm.
