Surrey Storm downed by sharp shooting Wasps - The Coventry Observer

Surrey Storm downed by sharp shooting Wasps

Coventry Editorial 5th Feb, 2019   0

WASPS continued their perfect start to the season with a third win from three, beating Surrey Storm in convincing fashion 70-47.

The Coventry side stay top on goal difference, level on points with the only other unbeaten side Manchester Thunder, and Saracens Mavericks.

It was an emotional evening, with the former Storm team manager Tom Reseigh being honoured in the third annual Trophy game – who sadly passed in October 2016.

Surrey’s Sigi Burger opened the scoring with the first shot of the game as her side enjoyed a great deal of possession in the early stages.




Josie Huckle’s rebound goal brought Wasps back into it and just a single goal behind, before she played a key part in setting up Rachel Dunn’s leveller.

Wasps overturned the scores after breaking away to take the lead for the first time, but it would be level at the end of the first quarter.


A strong showing in the second quarter meant Wasps went in at half-time with a five-goal cushion – a perfect foundation to build on in the second-half.

They would proceed to dominate the third quarter, forcing a number of turnovers and making no mistake in taking their lead into double figures.

The visitors were 20 goals to the good with just the final quarter remaining, and despite a small fightback from Surrey in the closing minutes, Wasps would run away comfortable winners.

Head coach Mel Mansfield was over the moon with her side’s attacking threat throughout the game.

“We knew Storm would be confident this evening after their win against Team Bath, so I’m very pleased to score 70 goals and win like we did.

“I asked the girls to play as a team tonight and they did exactly that and we came out fantastically in the third-quarter.

Mansfield labelled strength in depth as a key component of Wasps successful start to the season.

“It’s always good when you make changes like we did at half-time and you see the impact. We have a very strong squad here and we’re seeing the benefits of that.

“For us we want to win every quarter even if we are leading on the scoreboard, and it’s great that we played hard right to the final whistle.”

Wasps host Saracens Mavericks at Ricoh Arena on Monday (11th) with a 7pm start, tickets being available at www.waspsnetball.co.uk

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