Storm seal second win of double header weekend

From the start, it was clear that Storm had come out with conviction and were determined to take control of the game.

Although Leeds Rhinos showed phases of good play and things got a bit chippy at times, Storm remained too strong and dominated throughout.

Turbulence at the top✈️

A thrilling encounter at Surrey Sports Park tonight saw @SurreyStorm regain their place at the top of the table with a 65-49 victory over @RhinosNetballSL 🌪️#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/CNbUC6BSVZ

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) April 24, 2023

In a thrilling start to the game, Storm came out with conviction, powering ahead with a three-goal lead within the first two minutes.

Amy Flanagan made an incredible interception, giving Storm the edge, they needed to set the pace of the game.

Proscovia Peace continued to score at every opportunity as the leading goal scorer picked up rebounds and flicked it in as she fell off court.

Vicki Oyesola started the quarter aggressive and made an impressive flying interception attempt but then received a caution.

In a clean play by Rhinos, the ball was passed straight to Paige Reed in the circle, who made a successful shot to reduce the margin to seven.

Rhinos struggled executing in the offensive end as Brie Grierson missed a shot which led to Hannah Knights collected the ball and sending it to goal.

The game got a little tense as Nia Jones and Jemma Donoghue were called for contact against Mikki Austin, leading to Burgess calling a time against them due to them refusing Austin entry to the circle.

Storm ended the quarter with a last-second goal from Peace, making the score line 20-8 and setting the tone for the rest of the game.

It was all action to start the second quarter as the ball was forced into the Rhinos' circle, and Layla Guscoth picked it up and sent it into the attacking circle, where Oyesola flew out and caught it along with Austin, who then won possession.

First half flicks 📸 #NSL2023 pic.twitter.com/o2fMcbz5ip

— Bartercard Surrey Storm (@SurreyStorm) April 24, 2023

Reed would find some rhythm in the shooting circle and located the bottom of the net, getting double digits for the Rhinos.

Niamh Cooper brought a spark of energy off the bench intercepted at the circle and Storm would transition.

Austin would receive a warning for contact, but Guscoth recovered the ball and sent it down the court into the safe hands of Peace.

Yasmin Brookes would follow and connect with both Storm shooters as the difference would extend to 15 goals in favour of the home side.

Storm would display their versatility and depth in rotation with many changes throughout the 3rd quarter.

Brookes was replaced by Sophia Candappa with 10 minutes to go, and she made her mark by sending the ball directly into Peace.

Guscoth took a much-deserved rest and was replaced by Felisitus Kwangwa who would make an immediate impact in the game driving the difference between the two sides as the quarter ended 52 – 33.

In the fourth quarter, with the game out of reach, Rhinos showed grit and determination and mounted some runs throughout.

Head Coach Austin saw enough and injected Guscoth back into the game as the Player of the Match grabbed a rebound over Ellie Bird. As both teams traded goals, the final buzzer ended the game with a Storm victory of 65-49.

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