Match Preview: Surrey Storm v Northern Thunder Phase 2
02 April 2012
Date, time and coverage
Monday 2 April 2012, 8pm. Live text updates on twitter via @surreystorm.
Form Guide
Both teams go into tonight’s sell-out match with an unbeaten record in the top tier since the league split earlier last month and are both the clear form teams in this year’s competition.
Storm followed their first win over Team Bath with a narrow victory against Hertfordshire Mavericks, whilst Thunder also enjoyed wins over both sides.
Thunder sit first only on goal average above Storm in second in the top tier and a win for either side tonight will see them take control in this crucial stage of the season.
Head to Head
Storm will be looking to avenge their first phase away defeat to Northern Thunder after losing 67-48 back in February.
Thunder have been somewhat of a bogey team for Surrey in recent years, with Storm winning just two of the last six games against the Manchester-based team.
Greenway will be hoping her girls can begin to turn that record around tonight in front of their home fans.
Ins and Outs
Storm welcomed back player-coach Tamsin Greenway to training after their win over Mavericks last week and Greenway will be likely to feature against Thunder.
Lorraine Betsy and Lucy Adams miss out on a place in the Storm twelve to face Thunder, whilst new addition Amanda Davis will be phased into the senior team from the NTL squad following the international break.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s big match versus title rivals Thunder, Storm coach Greenway said, “Tonight is obviously a huge game against the form team in the Superleague this season, and we’ll have to be at our very best if we want to get anything from the game.
“After two good wins over Team Bath and Mavericks, both teams have momentum going into the game and we’ll be hoping it’s a lot closer game than it was back in phase one. The fans have their part to play in that too as we are now back in Surrey, and I’m sure they’ll be pushing us on all the way!
“Our defence has been solid over the last few weeks, and we’ve been really working on our attacking end in preparation for this game. We know if it all comes together, there’s not many teams that can cope with the attacking threat we possess, and well be looking to exploit that as much as possible tonight.
“There’s still a long way to go in the competition, of course but these are the games we all look forward to. We enjoy playing them and the fans love watching them and I hope it will be another great match tonight and end with a Surrey win.”
Expected Squad to face Thunder: Reid, Holland, Seaton, Bello, Trippick, Modeste, Ainsworth, Plom, Greenway, Dunn, Cookey and McHale.
Important Road Diversion Notice to Match Attendees
Fans attending the game should be aware that there is a road diversion in place at the entrance to Surrey Sports Park.
Access to and from Surrey Sports Park (SSP) will be via Gill Avenue (heading west, past the Royal Surrey County Hospital) and around the University Manor Park Residences. To avoid inconvenience the route will be fully signposted in both directions helping guide drivers to and from SSP.
Due to this diversion we suggest drivers plan ahead by leaving a bit earlier.
The closure of SSP's entrance/exit is part of the ongoing multi-million pound project to tackle congestion on Egerton Road and the roundabout outside Surrey Sports Park, the Surrey Research Park and Royal Surrey County Hospital. The completion of this work will provide greater access for all SSP's guests.
