Our first outing in this season’s regional league. The last time we were here was Feb 2020! We were all honest in sharing that we felt those nerves - with a Northants derby as our first game and some of us worried we wouldn’t wake up in time!

Would our hard work after lockdown 3 pay off? Would that work during KSA outdoor training, playing in the outdoor league, attending fitness sessions, summer tournaments and the trial process all show on court???

…. It certainly did!

As the whistle went, we were out in force, all this hard work clearly showing.

The team looked fit, strong, and calm with the combinations on court. We were excited to be able to welcome Josie, Nicole and Oluchi for their Storm regional debuts.

The first quarter finished 17-3. Some excellent positioning and shooting by Chloe M, whilst Macy C work tirelessly to create space in that shooting circle. This movement, alongside the work to the circle edge by Josie G and Jackie B certainly stunned the opposition. When they were in possession, the defensive pressure from Josie G, Jess C, Kim W and Nicole H lead to lots of turnover ball.

We kept the same combination in quarter 2, hoping the lead could be extended so that different combinations could be explored in the 2nd half. The score line didn’t disappoint. Kim W and Jess C brought the ball through court brilliantly with Jess C having awesome vision and delivering to Chloe M in that shooting circle. At half time the score was 36 – 5.

Quarter 3 saw the introduction of Oluchi U in the defensive circle (after she finally found the venue - thank you to the stormies at home for guiding her in!). This was a great opportunity for her to be paired with Kim W and then Nicole H in the final quarter. With some amazing rebounds she settled into her debut match and was a ‘sponge’ soaking up all the amazing guidance from the team.

Sophie B added to this defensive unit forcing errors and shutting space down so well.

Down the other end, Chantelle B joined the shooting duo, showing such strength to hold her space and player. Awesome rebounding too whilst Charlotte A took the WA bib and gave us a masterclass in driving out for centre passes.

The score in this Northants derby ended 66 - 19 to Storm!

Well played everybody and what an amazing start to our Division 2 journey. Let’s hope we can finish that journey in style this season.

As we huddled (socially distanced, of course) at the end of the game, the JMs captain approached with a medal. It was clear the team knew who this was going to and backed it up with our MVP too …. Josie G – what a start! Welcome to Storm! Your drive (actual ‘drives’ and commitment) are infectious and I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone to say MVP was so very well deserved. We love how you play with such maturity and vision.

Congratulations to the entire team - you did Storm proud!