Severn Stars 42 – 79 Surrey Storm

Severn Stars were back in action at home at the University of Worcester Arena on Sunday 26^th March. After a nail biting win on Friday night against Leeds Rhinos in Hull, Stars looked to continue their performance as they faced Surrey Storm who are currently sitting top of the table. Storm were beaten by Loughborough Lightning 24 hours before in round 8 of the Netball Super League.

An uncharged Starting 7 from Friday night lined up for the first centre pass but it was Surrey Storm who got off to a quick start going up 3 goals whilst Stars were yet to score. Thanks to a clinical centre pass, Stars attacking end were able to find South African shooter Sigi Burger under the post to get Stars on the scoreboard.
At the other end of the court Surrey Storm’s Ugandan Shooter Peace Proscovia proved why she is sitting at the top of the goal scoring table for the league being strong under the post and not missing in the opening minutes of the game.

Goal Defence Jess Haynes made the first turnover for Stars tipping the ball into her teammate Sarah MacPhail hands but they were unable to capitalise. A miss placed ball in Storms attacking end meant that this time Stars were able to bring the ball down court and score.

As the quarter went on, both sides found their attacking flow but it was she visitors who ended the first quarter strong holding a 10-20 lead over Stars.

Head coach Jo Trip changed the attacking end going into the second quarter. Training partner Chloe Essam, making her Severn Stars debut, came on at Goal Attack and Grace Namana going to the bench.

Storm started the second quarter strong scoring 5 quick goals. Their defensive end of Vitality England Roses star Layla Guscoth and her defensive partner Leah Middleton. Thanks to a goal from Chloe Essam, Stars were soon enough on the scoreboard for the second quarter.

Jo Trip made more changes, this time to her defence end bringing on Jasmine Brown making her Netball Super League debut into the Goal Keeper with Trip moving to Goal Defence. Mid-week Brown was announced as a Stars permanent replacement player gaining her first NSL contract.

Storm’s Defence continued to cause disruption to Stars attacking end forcing errors and turnover resulting in Storm extended their lead over Stars finishing the second quarter 19-39 in favour of the visitors.

No changes were made going into the third quarter. Storm were quick out of the blocks with a turnover from Stars’ centre pass. Stars responded straight away with a turnover to help claw back the deficit with Grace Namana scoring.

Jas Brown went out for an interception but was unlucky as she was called for contact and Storm were able to score and add another to the score board. Sigi Burger re-entered the court for Stars at Goal Shooter and was quickly able to find her partnership between her and Severn Stars captain Gabby Marshall at Centre.

Gabby’s vision and accurate feeds resulted in the ball being able to find Burger under the post and able to score.

Stars Goal Keeper Jasmine Brown was able to pick up another tip trying to deny a

goal but Storm were able to regain the ball and score in the dying seconds through Goal Attack Sophie Drakford-Lewis.

Quarter 3 ended 27-63 in favour of Surrey Storm.

Just one change for Stars for the fourth quarter as training partner Rachael Fee entered the court at Wing Defence.

Stars had the first centre pass with a quick flow through the attack between Gabby Marshall and Jess Shaw the ball made its way to Burger for the first goal. Grace Namana also quickly added to the score board with her beautiful trademark high shooting action.

Three quick turnovers for Stars defence end with Jo Trip gaining an excellent rebound, Rachael Fee flying out for the intercept and Jasmine Brown getting an interception, all trying to reduce the deficit of the scoreboard.

Jo Trip made some final changes of the game bringing Jess Haynes back onto the court at Goal Defence, taking herself to the bench and also bringing Kelsie Taylor on at Centre.

More defensive pressure was made by Jasmine Brown as she made another intercept and the ball flowed down court to the Stars shooters putting final goals on the board. It was too late to change the game and the final score ends 42-79 with visitors Surrey Storm taking the win.

Severn Stars Let’s Culminate Player of the Match was awarded to debutant Jasmine Brown after coming on and making an impact putting on defensive pressure to turn over ball.

Severn Stars are back in action next Sunday 2^nd April against Loughborough Lightning at the University of Worcester Arena, 4pm FPC.

Photos Clivejonespr.com