ITS CHRISTMASSSSSS!

Well… Not really. But for the prem squad it was!

Our first game of the season was welcomed with our own advertisement on the Tower. Home of Storm Netball club - how sick!! By the way, before I forget, the location and facilities of the Uni of Northampton was AMAZING! Thank you so much Nicole (spirit of storm 2022) for sorting out this incredible venue and to secure seats for spectators. SO GOOD!

As I was early for once, Kim and I had a quick scope of the court and found Meg finding one with the post. She was probably there from 7am knowing the girl. We do always say we’d prefer to have her on our team then play against her! Absolute weapon!

Anyway, Coach Stacey and Team Manager Nicola set out the storm changing room with a disco light speaker and all the dresses, plus clear targets for the game. 100% Centre pass to goal and 100% turnover to goal… Eeeeeek!

The warm up led by Izzie was fab. We looked on point and the volume increased - feeling hyped and high off sugar we were ready to set the court but had a few words of wisdom from the beautiful Captain Jordan before the first time playing in PREM!!

It was going goal for goal for the first few minutes, but the incredible intercepts by the ever so clean queen Jordan gave us our momentum to score goals. The volume was LOUD! We could hear you on the sidelines and the bench!! Emma (Coach’s player 2022 - hero) was solid through the game, being ever so calm and accurate with the ball despite the knocks! Monty saw the gaps in their defence to give some beautiful balls to the shooters - threading the needle masterclass!! The score at the end of the 1st quarter was 15-7, an amazing start!

After Coach Chloe and Coach Stacey’s instructions for the next Q as well as the ongoing support from the prettiest VC Yas, we saw Izzie enter the game at WD. Her strength and hassling brought an immediate impact to the game, uping the gear. Kim (players’ player 2022) as always had a blinder, picking up intercepts and plucking rebounds. I think even if you lived on the outskirts of Northampton, you could hear our Meg roaring, as hyped as always! Meg and Emma were insane and left their defence with no other options, taking them out of the game and making it very easy for me to feed! We built on the last quarter to go into half time with a lead of 28-18.

Mel and Rov - two debuts for Storm Prem - slotted in straight away in the 3rd quarter. Rov literally looked like Tigger on the court, bouncing around plucking the ball and leaping everywhere! Mel gave us that injection of speed to increase the tempo and goals. They were both so good and it’s so great to have them here playing with us!!! Josie, our England Rose and the best ever mentee, had another stormer, re-entering the game and getting two intercepts IMMEDIATELY! Only she could do this! We played such sexy netball to end quarter 3 40-26 ahead.

A whole squad effort saw Sam and Amy enter the game with everyone getting deserved time on court. Imagine the depth we have as a team!! I’d be worried if I wasn’t playing for Storm!! Amy was strong in the circle, her timing for the ball and creating space in the D and doing what she does best. Sam got stuck in and limited options for the GS and GA, the number of passes that had to be played before going in for a shot was upped big time, so the defence were working effortlessly! Although the 4th quarter wasn’t the prettiest, Thoroughbreds gave it to us, but we must remember we have only won by loads or lost by a fair bit, so every experience is a good experience and we’ll only get better!

But hey - a win’s a win! We smashed it! 46-42 is an awesome score from a newly promoted team into the national league against a very well-drilled and experienced squad who have come down from the league above. Lots to work on but we should all be so proud and to take the positives from the game as we prepare to take on local rivals TFC Leicester next week.

#voteforclare2023 - I wonder who paid them to nominate me MVP? Oh well - I’ll take it! The campaign continues…

BLEED PURPLE! I LOVE STORM! CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEK!

Written by Clare D

Apologies from the editor for posting so late!