Wasps Netball looked confident as they ran onto the court at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, for their debut game in the Vitality Netball Superleague. A crowd of 1150 spectators packed into the Ericsson Indoor Arena to watch the team defend their Superleague title.
The first quarter started off nicely for the Wasps with GA Rachel Dunn quick to start the scoring. Wasps defender Sam May was key in making some great interceptions, and put constant pressure on the Storm Attack. Some beautiful passes down the court from the defending end allowed the wasps to focus more on working the ball into the D which ended with some brilliant goals.
The second quarter showed the Storm team using their defence as back up for their attack, as the Wasps continued to dominate. Amazing shooting from Wasps’ George Fisher, who was in her element, resulted in the Wasps gaining a 35-19 lead at the end of the first half.
Having established a 16-goal lead in the first half, the second saw a few substitutions. Sophia Candappa was brought on at WA, her first game back after injuring her ACL ten months ago, and Fran Williams at GD.
Wasps
’ Centre Jade Clarke made some great interceptions and really kept up the momentum for her team. Although Storm GK Kowalewska and Wasps GS Fisher battled it out under the post, the Wasps were unstoppable as they increased their goal difference to 22 by the close of the third quarter.
The final 15 minutes showed the crowd just what the Wasps were made of. The team had undergone a few substitutions throughout the match, with Netball Director Tamsin Greenway coming onto the court and a new shooting combination of Rachel Dunn at GS and Nat Haythornthwaite at GA. This showed just how strong and versatile each of the players arewhat with the Wasps cruising through the last quarter with a comfortable 68-43 win.
Overall, the Wasps were definitely the stronger team and dominated in every quarter, increasing the goal difference as the game went on. Particularly amazing play from Wasps GK Sam May (Player of the Match), GS George Fisher and of course our own GD Fran Williams from UoB definitely helped secure this victory.
Credit must be given to Storm who had some fantastic shooting. However, on this occasion it was the Wasps who came out victorious. They will face the Sirens on Thursday 22nd February in their next home fixture.
