Surrey Storm clinch narrow victory over Saracens Mavericks in thrilling head to head

It would be a quick turnaround for both teams in a double-header VNSL weekend, Storm defeated by London Pulse on the Saturday by 5 goals, while Mavericks were victorious in a narrow win against Sirens.

A few changes by both sides in their starting line-up as Frankie Wells replaced Emma Magee due to sustaining a head injury against Pulse. Leah Middleton shifted into GK whilst Felisitus Kwangwa got her first start for the storm in GD.

With Ine-Marie Venter missing this weekend due to injury Mavericks would start with Kadeen Corbin in GS and Chloe Essam in GA.

Quarter 1 

A strong start from Storm as Leah Middleton turned over the ball in the opening possession and Storm quickly transitions up the court to find Proscovia Peace. With Ine-Marie out injured Maverick’s struggle to find the net in the opening 5 minutes as the home side jump out to a 5 – 1 lead.

Storm body up defensively making it difficult for Maverick’s star Kadeen Corbin to find an easy feed. Mavericks Wing Defence Zaranyika and Goal Defence Jodie Gibson step up the defensive pressure to recover the ball. With good defence brings easy offense and the away side quickly reduce the deficit to 2 goals finishing the quarter 13 – 11.

Quarter 2
Frankie Wells makes her presence known to start the 2nd quarter giving Storm range within the shooting circle to take a 4-goal lead.

The first half of the second quarter was dominated by Felisitus Kwangwa and Leah Middleton. The athleticism of Kwangwa enabling her to cover much of the defensive end.

A few dazzling plays by Kadeen Corbin keeping Mavericks in the game as both teams trading goals with Storm comfortably in control, finishing the half 28 – 25.

Mavericks exit the locker room with high energy and begin the quarter regaining possession and executing at the other end. Storm finds composure and with the reach and athleticism of Proscovia Peace Storm are able to feed into the circle from all areas of the court.

As we entered the halfway mark both teams-tired legs from the day before resulted in some scrappy possessions. Head coach Mikki Austin brought on Sophia Candappa to give Parsons a rest as the experienced Wing Attack steps on the floor to settle the squad.

Quarter 3

Mavericks tie up the game with just under 5 minutes to go for the first time since opening play. The pressure from Saracens doing a great job on Goal Attack Frankie Wells forcing some unfortunate misses. However, Proscovia Peace hunted for every rebound to finish of the play to keep the home side in front 41 – 39.

Quarter 4

With everything to play for in the final quarter Storm take a 3 goal lead as the defensive end really putting in a shift behind Cooper, Kwangwa and Middleton.

As Storm tried to pull away, a game changing turnover led by another interception from Quashie tied the game again at 46 a piece.

As we entered the last 5 minutes every shot had a sprinkle of added pressure on it as Mavericks take a one goal lead for the first time in the game.

Storm fed on the home crowds’ energy with a huge turnover from Kwangwa as Essan hits the deck hard and Storm convert at the other end.

Storm regains the lead with 1.30 to go, Mavericks step out of bounds and Storm find Peace for a much-needed goal to give the squad breathing room to take home the victory in front of an erupting crowd.

Final Score 55 to Surrey Storm, 53 to Saracens Mavericks.

Surrey Storm coach Mikki Austin said: It was a really good game, I thought we were right in that contest the whole way through it. We felt really connected, we had to do some soul searching after yesterdays game where were performed well in segments. The biggest key word we took away from yesterday was composure, and they brought that to this game. I am really proud we showed strength of character to come out with a win against a classy Mavericks side.

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 Saracens Mavericks at their home ground by buying tickets here.

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