Newquay Storm promoted to Regional League.

First Team News

14 May

Newquay Storm will play the 2024/25 season in South West Regional League 3 (South) after qualifying through the Playoffs.

It was certainly a tense afternoon as Newquay Storm attempted to qualify for next season’s Regional League. After an early start on Sunday morning, the squad arrived at the University of Bath Sports Training Village excited for the day ahead.

They faced four games in a five team playoff for two places in the League. Fellow Cornish side Bodmin were also there as they were trying to retain their place in the league after finishing second from bottom this season. The four other teams were from East Devon, West Devon and Somerset along with Newquay Storm from Cornwall and they were all trying to get in for the first time.

The venue was packed as the playoffs for Regional League 3 (North) and the playoffs to get into Regional League 2 were also taking place.

With the games only 20 minutes each, Newquay knew a strong start was required. They kicked off their campaign against TNC from East Devon and put in a solid performance to take a 19-14 win.

*Goal Keeper Lydia Gard gets some air as she attempts to block a shot against TNC | Photo: Andrew Trenoweth*

Next up was local rivals Bodmin and despite leading early in the game, Newquay Storm went down by four goals, 16-12.

Game three saw another tight encounter as Newquay faced off against Paulton Tomahawks. Unforced errors left Newquay trailing into the final minutes and it was the Somerset side who went on to win the match 14-12.

*Rosie White sets up another attack out of defence | Photo: Andrew Trenoweth*

All down to the final game

That meant a tense last game was in store with three teams in action who could all join Bodmin in the League for next season.

Newquay Storm knew they had to win, and win by a bigger score than Paulton Tomahawks who needed to also win their last game against Bodmin.

WC Scaffolding from the Premier Division in Plymouth stood in the way as Newquay took to the court in the crucial final game. Head Coach, David White, went with the same starting seven that began the first game nearly three and half hours previous.

*Ellie Blackman takes an interception | Photo: Andrew Trenoweth*

It was a solid performance as Newquay looked to wrap up their day with the win they needed to qualify. Solid shooting from Heather Scarlett and Amelia Gard, plus plenty of turnover ball from Emma Rowe, Rosie White and Lydia Gard in defence meant Newquay took the game and with Paulton losing their last match, Newquay were guaranteed a place in Regional League 3.

“It was tense but we were delighted to have come through in the end,” said White. “ We thought we’d blown it after the third game and the close defeat to Paulton but the girls were brilliant, picked themselves up and put in a fantastic last performance to get us the place in the league.”

*A very happy squad huddle after qualification | Photo: Andrew Trenoweth*

It’s the first time Newquay has been involved in the Playoffs and now they’ll start the new season with a fresh set of challenges. White admits it’s been a bit of a whirlwind; “It’s been a crazy week, we’ve merged two of Cornwall’s clubs, taken a road trip and have qualified for Regional League in the space of four days!”

What’s next?

The players now get a chance to rest up before the real hard work begins as they prepare for their first ever Regional League campaign when pre-season training begins at the start of July.