Surrey Storm Netball will kick off their 2015 Superleague season on Monday evening with a trip to Manchester Thunder and a remake of the 2014 Grand Final.
Manchester Thunder vs Surrey Storm
2015 Netball Superleague
Monday 26th January 2015, 7.45pm
Thunderdome
Players and fans alike will remember ‘that’ day in Worcester, where a goal in the dying seconds of the match secured the title for Thunder as Storm succumbed to their first defeat of the season.
It was the final moments of that match which the players are keen to erase from their memories on Monday night, says defender Katy Holland: “Obviously results like that are disappointing. We played well throughout the whole season and defied expectation to finish with the record of being unbeaten all year.
“People still talk about it now, but it’s up to us to go out there and turn it around. Show that we are a better team than in those last moments of that game and that we are still one of the best in this league.”
When the fixtures were announced in October, it was almost fate that drew the two sides together to open the 2015 season and fans up and down the country showed their delighted in being able to watch one of the most eagerly anticipated matches live on Sky Sports.
“It’s great for our fans to be able to watch the game no matter where they are. The coverage on Sky Sports is vital for the sport and we love playing for a national audience. It’s a perfect start to the season for spectators and we can’t wait to play in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Manchester.
“The Thunderdome is a very intimating place to play. Manchester fans are a lot like Storm fans- committed, passionate and netball-loving. While we are looking forward to the game we also know that it will be tough from the first centre-pass.”
When asked if Storm could continue where they left off last season (bar the last moments of the Grand Final), Holland was coy about Surrey’s chances of opening with a win: “Obviously we would love to get off to a winning start- that is a given.
“We have a lot of respect for Thunder. They have some really key players and at home they will be a very hard to beat.
“But we are stronger across court than ever, especially in the attack, and we will be a big threat for all teams in this league. We are ready for the game and the mood in the camp is positive.”
Coach Tamsin Greenway has a fully fit squad to choose from for Monday’s trip to Manchester Thunder, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 4 from 7.30pm. There will also be live match updates on the official Surrey Storm Facebook and Twitter pages.
Recent meetings
Surrey Storm 46-46 Manchester Thunder (2014 Superleague)
Manchester Thunder 48-55 Surrey Storm (2014 Superleague)
Surrey Storm 48-49 Manchester Thunder (2014 Superleague Grand Final)
Head-to Head Record (all competitions and friendlies)
Won: 6
Lost: 7
Drawn: 1
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