Storm Talent bounce back with terrific win
A tall range Lightning side arrived in Guildford and gave Storm a tough test in the opening quarter, which saw Storm lead 9-8. Some crucial changes by Head Coach Anita Hollman saw a new look mid court start the second quarter with England U17 Ellie Fawsitt entering the match at centre joined by her national team mate Francesca Desmond at wing defence. The changes resulted in a younger, less experienced mid court but one with an abundance of skill and talent.
The impact was immediate and Storm’s youngsters used their speed, movement and swift, flat passing to conquer the height and range of Loughborough. Storm dominated the next two quarters winning both 10-6, which gave them a cushion of 9 goals going in to the final quarter.
Katy Holland and Antonia Simmonds were outstanding in the Storm defence and Fran Plom held her ground in the shooting end to ensure Storm’s slick moves were finished off nicely.
Lightning fought back in the final quarter but after an impressive 2nd and 3rd quarter by the home side it was Surrey Storm who sealed the talent league win.
Head Coach Anita Hollman was thrilled with the way in which her side had bounced back from an agonising defeat just 8 days before; “I was so pleased with the squad’s work rate and the way in which they came back from 2 close matches. It was great to get so many of our young mid court players on together and everyone took on the responsibilities they needed to”.
Meanwhile Kadeen Corbin who made her comeback versus Mavericks was unavailable for Saturday’s encounter and will spend further time in rehabilitation from her knee injury, Hollman added; “It’s a blow to not have Kadeen for selection now but it is more important that her recovery is correct. She is a player with a massive future ahead of her in the game and that is more important than her playing now, we wish her all the best in her recovery and I am sure she will come back stronger than ever”.
Surrey Storm Talent now move up to 6th in the Netball Talent League table and next play Celtic Dragons Talent on Saturday 20th March after the Superleague match.
Surrey Storm Talent
GS Fran Plom, GA Rochelle Rhodes, WA Kimberley Piper, C Nicole Duke, WD Channel Charlery, GD Katy Holland, GK Antonia Simmonds (Capt)
Subs: Ellie Fawsitt, Frankie Gray, Fran Desmond, Rachel Mulloy, Hannah Button.
Changes: 2nd Q: Hanna Button to GA, Nicole Duke to WA, Ellie Fawsitt to C, Fran Desmond to WD.
Score Statistics
Quarter Scores Storm/Lightning: 9-8, 10-6, 10-6, 5-8.
Cumulative Score: 9-8, 19-14, 29-20, 34-28.
Shooting Statistics
Fran Plom GS: 26/37 70%
Rochelle Rhodes GA: 4/5 80%
Hannah Button GA: 4/13 31%
Team Overall: 34/55 62%
