Following a good run of recent results Storm started this game confidently and it didn’t take long for Ravn to open the scoring with a nice look for two. Dennis epitomised the home team’s commitment early on as she battled for the ball on the floor, before scooping it up to Colbron who scored with a nice lay-up. Gowing dominated the defensive boards throughout the quarter, allowing Ravn to dictate offensively and her nine points gave Storm a 20-6 lead at the end of the first.

After a slow start to the second quarter Henderson converted at the post after a strong offensive rebound, before the organised Storm D forced a shot clock violation at the other end. An important defensive board by Quinn and an intelligent steal by Colbron provided further proof of Storm’s determination to keep Plymouth at bay, while Alberquerque and Lautonen both scored from three-point territory to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Plymouth scored two quick baskets in transition but aggressive blocking from Royal ensured Storm finished the half positively and up 48-18.

Storm maintained their strong defensive stand at the beginning of the third and their patience was rewarded with a fast break that Fox converted for two. Things then fell a little flat and two consecutive Plymouth baskets forced coach Brocklehurst to make four changes in order to liven the home side up. Moments later Quinn was fouled and scored one of two from the line, before Alberquerque stole the ball in the corner and put up a difficult three that hit nothing but net. Henderson scored in transition just before the end of the third giving Storm a 64-26 lead.

Despite the impressive advantage they took into the final quarter Storm maintained the intensity of the previous three and scored early after some strong post play by Ravn. Plymouth tried hard to breakdown the Storm D but some careless play allowed Groves to steal before running the length of the court and creating an easy lay-up for Alberquerque. Storm caught fire and ran the visitors ragged as Ravn and Royal both scored beautiful baskets on the break, before Henderson was fouled at the post and converted both free-throws. The home side maintained their momentum until the very end of the game and Colbron had the last word as she hoisted a three point attempt from deep that beat the buzzer to provide a thrilling finale to a game Storm won 92-37.

Sean Guest