Newquay Storm Secure First Home Win with 52-41 Victory Over Hovelands
22nd September, 2024 | Written by Alyssa Irving | Photos: Andrew Trenoweth
Newquay Storm grabbed their first win of the season in thrilling fashion, defeating Hovelands 52-41 in their first home game in South West Regional League 3 (South). The match, held at Truro School, marked a strong comeback for the newly promoted Newquay Storm after their opening loss to Vivary last week.
Storm, playing in their debut season at this level, came out firing and quickly set the tone. A solid start saw them take a 12-8 lead by the end of the first quarter, with Goal Attack Amelia Gard and Goal Shooter Kirstie Worth playing well together in the circle. Gard, who was later named Player of the Match by the Hovelands squad, netted 34 goals from 38 attempts.
Goal Attack Amelia Gard won Player of the Match for Newquay Storm | Photo: Andrew Trenoweth
By halftime, Storm had stretched their lead to 27-17, dominating both ends of the court. Captain Lydia Gard marshaled the defence brilliantly, with Goal Keeper Gard and Goal Defence Aimee Thompson stifling Hovelands’ shooters, while Wing Defence Tamsyn Hall disrupted the flow of their midcourt play.
In the third quarter, Storm continued to pile on the pressure, with Wing Attack Hannah Hautot switching to Wing Defence, Hall to Centre and Kerenza Hall coming on at Wing Attack. The trio moved the ball swiftly through the court and their quick passing and smart decision-making allowed Storm to extend their lead to 41-27 by the end of the quarter.
Goal Keeper Lydia Gard attempts to block a shot | Photo: Andrew Trenoweth
Hovelands mounted a late rally in the final quarter, narrowing the gap slightly, but Newquay Storm’s earlier work had already sealed the result. Goal Shooter Heather Scarlett came on for her Regional League debut and added key goals in the closing stages to maintain the advantage.
Head Coach David White was full of praise for the team after the final whistle: "This was exactly the response we wanted after last week's disappointment. The girls were fantastic today, and Amelia’s shooting was outstanding. We’ve still got areas to improve, but this win gives us a lot of confidence."
The win moves Newquay Storm into fourth place in the table, albeit very early days after only two games.
What’s Next?
The victory sets up an exciting clash next week as Storm face the current league leaders, CCNC Lions, who have won their first two games.
It will be another home fixture at Truro School, and the team will be hoping to carry the momentum into what promises to be their toughest test yet.
The game gets underway at 1:30pm at the Sir Ben Ainslie Sports Centre at Truro School.