3 wins in a row at Surrey Sports Park for Storm
The Sky cameras were rolling, and it would be an emotional occasion at Surrey Sports Park as Storm would face Wasp’s netball in the annual Tom Reseigh Trophy. Playing in the memory of former Storm Team Manager Tom Reseigh, the home side would go on to lift the Trophy for another season as Storm make it 3 wins on the trot at home.
In a game that would be a constant battle throughout, Wasps started with a score on their opening possession. Storm would reply as VNSL top scorer Proscovia Peace answers back.
Wasps with a slow start to find their offensive rhythm, Kwangwa turns the ball over and Storm convert twice to take a 2-goal lead. Kwangwa follows this with her athletic reach to force a miss from Parize and Frankie wells finds the net from range at the end.
Storms defence work hard as Leah Middleton blocks a pass, however Storm mid court unable to hold onto the ball and Wasps regain possession to keep it to remain within 2-goals.
Halfway through the quarter Storm take a 9-5 lead as Proscovia Peace catches aerial feeds from Yaz Parsons who would go on to win Player Of the Match.
After struggling to get to circle edge Wasps find composure and feed experienced shooter Rachael Dunn as the deficit is reduced to 3 goals.
Storm continues to execute in the shooting circle as Leah Middleton ends the quarter with a flying interception to sum up a great defensive display in the first quarter.
With the home team leading 17 – 11 going into the 2nd quarter, Wasps made a change in the shooting circle as Gazelle Allison replaces Lucie Parize and Rachael Dunn moves to GA. This change would steady the ship in the opening minutes as both teams would go goal for goal.
The momentum shifted back into Storms favour as Peace continues to find the bottom of the net and Storm extend a 9-goal lead.
Powell-Davies darts across the court for an interception and quick transition down court to Allison to gain one back. Wasps look to step up the pressure on defence and force Storm into another unforced error and Wasps were within 6 goals with 4 minutes to go.
Another change for Wasps would see Tarnowski sub on for Rachael Fee for energy off the bench. Wasps dig deep in the last few minutes of the game and claw back the score as the team’s head to the locker room with only 5 goals separating each at 34 – 29.
Sophia Candappa enters the court for the first time facing her former club and starts the 2nd half to replace Mikki Austin.
Josie Huckle would exchange with Christina Shaw and help Wasps reduce the gap to 3 goals. However, Storm would adjust to finish the quarter strong as there was nothing to separate the two teams in the third quarter. The difference remained at 5 throughout with both team scoring 24 goals apiece.
Storm with a 48 – 43 lead heading into the final quarter, Head Coach Mikki Austin gives the nod to U19 England Roses Sophie Kelly as she starts the 4th and replaces Frankie Wells to gain some VNSL experience.
Wasps look hungry in the opening minutes of the last quarter as they make it a 2-goal game.
Leah Middleton relieved some pressure with a block on Gazelle to give Storm some breathing room as Storm regain a 5-goal lead.
Sophie Kelly misses her first shot but a loose pass from Dunn gained the fearless youngster another opportunity to find the net as the youngster executes with 6 minutes to go.
Fee would replace Tarnowski for some energy off the bench to try and claw the game back. But with high pressure Christian throws the ball away and Storm takes a comfortable 9 goal lead.
With the game out of reach Sullivan gives Felisitus a much-deserved rest and Ellie Kelk replaces Proscovia Peace who would bring the home fans to their feet in a roar of applause.
With the game wrapped up Storm take a convincing 67 – 59 victory as Team Manager Becky Harrison-Smith would be awared with the Tom Reseigh Trophy to lift in front of the home fans.
© Copyright 2024 Surrey Storm
