Surrey Storm took a step closer to the 2016 Vitality Netball Superleague semi-finals with a 39-56 win over Yorkshire Jets on Saturday evening.
A superb defensive showing throughout the match kept the hosts down to less than 40 goals in the tie, allowing Storm to move up to 3rd place in the table after 10 rounds.
There was little between the two sides in the opening period, with both defences creating turnovers in the opening exchanges. Storm broke free midway into the quarter, which handed them a slender 2 goal advantage at the first break.
Feeling a little more confortable on court, the Storm defence upped their game in the 2nd quarter. A string of Jets’ unforced errors and miscommunications were capitalized on by the Surrey side, who extended their lead to 18-29 at half time.
Mikki Austin came on at C and Josie Huckle at GK for Q3 as Storm continued to dominate. Jets showed some promise early on with a quick turnover but Surrey were more than ready to match their efforts, as the visitors led by 15 goals at 28-43 heading into the final quarter.
Sophia Candappa returned to the court at WA but the goals continued to come Vanes-Mari Du Toit showed some promise in the Yorkshire defence with an interception but Storm were confident in their convictions, with their depth in the squad once again showing it’s ability to close out games. With no way back for Jets, Storm took a 39-56 win- their 7th of the season.
Surrey fans will welcome their side back to Surrey Sports Park next Saturday evening, when Loughborough Lightning visit in a game which could prove vital in the race for the semi-finals.
Surrey Storm starting 7:
GK – Reid
GD – Holland
WD – Flanagan
C – Candappa
WA – Lees
GA – Cookey
GS – Dunn
Changes – Huckle to GK, Reid to GD, Austin to C (Q3), Candappa to WA (Q4)
Yorkshire Jets starting 7:
GK – Skingsley
GD – Francis
WD – Halpin
C – Walker
WA – Shaw
GA – Harris
GS – Kirk
Changes – Lutua to GA (Q3), Du Toit to GK (Q4)
Storm Shooting Stats:
Dunn 37/45, 82%
Cookey 19/25, 76%
Team 56/70, 80%
Jets Shooting Stats:
Kirk 21/28, 75%
Harris 7/9, 78%
Lutua 11/12, 92%
Team 39/49, 80%
Quarter Scores:
Q1 – 11-13
Q2 – 7-16 (18-29)
Q3 – 10-14 (28-43)
Q4 – 11-13 (39-56)