Surrey Storm pull away in second half against Severn Stars to continue their winning streak

In the opening game of the season Stars took a 66 – 60 win over Storm in Birmingham and would be their only victory of the season thus far. Since then, Storm has had had some big performances turning a few heads across the VNSL.

Quarter 1: 

Storm would start the game slow as the home side lost the ball in their opening two possessions, as Stars jump out to an early 0 -3 lead with Cat Tuivaiti finding the net.

Grace Sullivan checks into the game for Alima Priest and Leah Middleton shifts to Goal Keeper. Sullivan immediately impacting the game, as she regains possession and Storm transition down the court to find Proscovia Peace and get some points on the board. After a rocky start the home side find form as Frankie Wells and Peace level the game at 5-5.

Tuivaiti doing what she does best being a magician in the shooting circle with her no look passes as Bethan Dyke executes to Reed. Stars take a 4-goal lead with 3 minutes to go in the opening quarter.

Stars defence look to double on league leading scorer Proscovia Peace, forcing Storm to feed Wells for a shot at range. However the Ugandan shooter would not leave the fans without some flare, Peace finishes the quarter with an unbelievable turn around jump shot on the buzzer to reduce the deficit by 3 goals 13-16.

Quarter 2: 

Both teams trade goals in the opening minutes of the 2nd quarter before Lucy Herdman out reaches Proscovia Peace to intercept a feed. Stars look confident as they stretch out a 5-goal lead 16 – 21. Cat Tuivaiti's trickery doesn’t pay off as Storm turnover the ball with 8 minutes to go. As the momentum swings Storm string a couple of stops together to reduce the difference to 3 goals.

Storm feed off this and continue as Chartie Curtis replaces Sullivan and Storm take their first lead of the game at 28 – 27.

Stars counter that as Paige Reed comes off for Katie Harris and Dyke and Leota switch, as Stars change tactics to put a stop to Storms play.

With Surrey Sports park getting louder the 8th player makes all the difference spurring the home side on to hold a 1 goal lead heading into the locker room 31 – 30.

Quarter 3: 

Out of the locker room Stars start Nicole Humphrys at WD, Artman at GK and Reed on at GA.

Storm is the first strike out as Mikki Austin’s half time talk sees a boost of energy to start the 3rd taking a 36 – 32 lead.

With Cat on the bench Stars struggle to find the net and Leah Middleton does a great job on Stars GS with perfect timing to force multiple misses. With confidence high, the home side look in flow extending an 8 goal lead with 6 minutes to go.

Stars replace Reed with Harris at GA. The away sides defence work hard to battle their way back into the game. Although the hard work on defence is let down by the through court play as Niamh Cooper hunts down the ball for an intercept.

With no answers Stars change again, Eaton off for Tuivaiti at GS and Humphrys off for Thomas at WD. With so many changes in a short time Stars struggle to find consistent rhythm as Storm continue to dominate the quarter 50 – 40.

Quarter 4:

In the final quarter Stars look more composed to start the 4th although it would be a big ask to come back from 10 goals down.

Both teams go goal for go to begin the final quarter. Storm looks comfortably in control as the wind is taken out of Stars sails.

As we hit the 7-minute mark Storm have extended a 14-goal lead and Stars hopes of bringing back the game start to diminish. Still entertaining the crowd Tuivaiti delivers some dazzling passes as the Storm fans appreciate her talent on the floor.

To finish off the game, Storm's Emma Magee and Alima Priest enter for Leah Middleton and Frankie Wells. Ellie Kelk replaces Proscovia Peace who would receive a huge Surrey ovation, and Kelk would nail her first shot.

As the final buzzer sounds with a final score 68 – 52, Storm continue their win streak.

Player of the match was Surrey Storm's GS, Proscovia Peace: "It felt beautiful out on court, especially playing against a team we lost to in the first round. But we learnt our lessons, we knew we had to be more clinical and play to the best of our ability playing one ball at a time and one game at a time”.

Match report provided by Surrey Storm.

You can also watch the highlights from all the games in the VNSL 2022 season HERE. Buy tickets to support Surrey Storm at their home games here and support Severn Stars at their home ground by buying tickets here.

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