Storm break Thunder’s unbeaten streak

Storm struck first and blitzed a startled Thunder from the first centre pass. The lead gained in the first five minutes would be the cushion Storm lent on throughout the game.

Despite Thunder's efforts to get back into the game. the home side held onto the lead throughout.

Amidst a display of exceptional netball skills from both sides, Storm emerged victorious, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next time these two formidable teams meet in Manchester for another thrilling game of netball.

"Today was one of those you’ve got to just grind away," said Mikki Austin. "Thunder are a world class side and we knew today was going to be competed at a level like finals netball, and that’s something we haven’t felt for quite a while.

"I was just proud of our mental resilience to keep offering for the ball and keep having trust in each other to give the ball when it mattered, especially with a team like Thunder you have to keep attacking the game."

Storm got off to a fast start, with Proscovia Peace sinking the opening shot of the game and Sophie Drakeford-Lewis extending their lead to 3-0 after a misplaced ball by Thunder.

Storm's tenacity and Layla Guscoth's interceptions allowed the home side to maintain a 6-0 lead after the first five minutes.

BIG HAND! 🖐@LaylaGuscoth stops the service into the circle as @SurreyStorm hold a five-goal lead at the end of Q3.

Catch the final 15 minutes live on @SkySports YouTube! #NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/GVShjVmu18

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) February 18, 2023

Thunder eventually found their rhythm, with Lenize Potgieter scoring and reducing the deficit to three goals in the latter half of the opening quarter.

The second quarter saw both teams fight hard for every ball, with numerous cautions and turnovers on both sides. Storm convert on Guscoth efforts and maintain a three-goal lead, but Thunder continued to pressure the Storm's shooters.

Despite Leah Middleton gaining a held ball and Storm receiving a caution for intentional obstruction, Storm ended the quarter with a seven-goal lead.

Out of the half, Storm's Guscoth continued intercepting centre passes, enabling Peace to gain another goal and increase their lead back to seven goals.

Despite Thunder reducing the lead to five goals, Storm's Hannah Knights and Guscoth worked collectively to gain a held ball, allowing them to convert it to an eight-goal lead.

Fighting for every ball 😤

It's heating up here in Surrey as substitute @Iona_Christian_ claws away the low ball 💪

Watch @SurreyStorm against @thundernetball on @SkySports YouTube 🖥#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/5y65EPIdQw

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) February 18, 2023

The fourth quarter saw Kerry Almond back on as goalkeeper, and Amy Flanagan being called off for blood, with Niamh Cooper coming on to make her mark on the court.

The game became even more physical, with both teams fighting hard for every ball. Storm's Flanagan returned and picked up an interception midcourt, sending it to Drakeford-Lewis to feed Peace cleanly.

Thunder's Nat Metcalf collided with Austin, knocking them both into the circle. Storm's Knights and Guscoth worked together to gain a held ball, allowing them to extend their lead to eight goals.

Despite the game becoming increasingly physical and the referees calling the captains in to tell players to tidy up play, Storm held on for the win.

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 Manchester Thunder at their home ground by buying tickets here.

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