Both teams shared control through each quarter before Thunder took charge in the fourth, with Lenize Potgieter and Lois Pearson each recording 100% shooting statistics.
Natalie Metcalf was named Player of the Match with a stand out captain’s performance, not to be outdone by a superb defensive performance from Josie Huckle and Ella Bowen.
Storm started strongly and took an early lead in the first quarter, going 5-2 up within the first five minutes.
A breaking call on the centre pass by Sophie Drakeford-Lewis started the comeback for Manchester Thunder, with both teams going goal for goal and ending the quarter level at 12-12.
Thunder got an early break at the start of the second quarter and stretched the lead out to seven by half time.
That advantage soon became nine in quarter three but Storm regrouped and scored five without reply.
Great defensive work from Amy Flanagan and Drakeford-Lewis kept the pressure on, with Francesca Wells scoring a last second penalty to reduce the lead to three as the quarter ended 41-38.
The final quarter saw Manchester Thunder extend their lead to 10 goals with the help of some strong defensive work from Josie Huckle and Ella Bowen, who between them gained three intercepts.
Storm brought on Niamh Cooper at wing defence and she was able to gain a couple of deflections, while Layla Guscoth’s intercept helped reduce the goal difference to eight by full time.
Surrey Storm will next face Saracens Mavericks in Hertfordshire in Round 13 while Thunder’s next game in Round 14 will be against Loughborough Lightning at the Sir David Wallace Arena on April 29.
Match Report provided by Manchester Thunder
© Copyright 2024 Surrey Storm
