Storm win at new home
Wildcats started without captain Lesley Macdonald who has been suffering with an ankle injury and Storm’s Rhianne McHale made her first start of the season at Goal Attack.
Wildcats made a strong start to the first quarter contesting hard for every ball with their defence picking up plenty of tips but Storm’s Hannah Reid hustled just as hard in Storm’s defensive circle alongside Janet Coulburne and despite some good possession by the Scots the Storm defence put the pressure on forcing the Wildcats shooters to miss 9 in the opening spell. Storm led break 10-6.
Storm Head Coach Mary Beardwood made some changes which saw Storm start the second period which more precision. Jaime Galley tightened up the defensive line and Natasha Hampshire and Tamsin Greenway connected well to ensure 24 chances on goal were notched up for Storm.
The third quarter saw Storm dominate to much the same effect. Wildcats certainly had some patches of nice play but lacked the experience and power to unsettle the league leaders.
Aussie Jaime Galley switched to Goal Defence in the last quarter and made some excellent turnovers, her work rate and effort outstanding, unfortunately her efforts were cut short with an ankle injury in the latter stages but she was still named player of the match by Storm’s coaching team.
It wasn’t the prettiest of wins but a convincing one none the less and Surrey Storm continue to top the Co-operative Netball Superleague table ahead of Team Bath.
Storm play their remaining match of the season versus Loughborough Lighting away and providing they come away with a win look odds on for a home tie on the opening weekend of the playoffs against Team Bath, it’s by no means wrapped up yet though as Olivia Murphy and her side will be out to challenge Storm from the off. For today though, it was job done again for Surrey Storm, all under the roof their brilliant new home, Surrey Sports Park.
Storm Captain Tamsin Greenway stated; “We started sluggish, too slow and a bit scrappy but we cleaned things up in the 2nd quarter and stepped things up and reacted to their game plan. All the changes we made had a huge impact today which was great and helped change the pace of the game. In the end we are really happy with a convincing win at our new home which we can’t wait to make a fortress for seasons to come”.
Head Coach Mary Beardwood added; “It was good preparation for the playoffs being able to play different combinations which I was very pleased with. Another great performance by the squad and I was also pleased with the goal difference which keeps us firmly at the top of the table”.
