Storm goal shooter Kylie Lush receives a difficult pass in the goal ring, with Geelong defenders all around her and teammate Christie Proctor at wing attack looking for the possible double pass.GIPPSLAND Storm was made to earn victory against thirdplaced Geelong last Wednesday night at the State Netball Centre. With only six fit players available, due to illness, injuries and work commitments, the Storm had a worse time for a team wanting to prove its worth against likely finals opponents.
The first quarter started as planned, the Storm creating early turnovers through relentless pressure and disciplined defence, but a lack of respect for possession, creating unnecessary pressure by stepping on and throwing into hands gave Geelong a sixgoal lead halfway through the first quarter. The Storm adjusted its style, resorting to patience and control when in possession. Geelong held a onegoal lead at quartertime.
In the second quarter the teams went goalforgoal early before Geelong lifted intensity and flexed its muscles in defence, taking a sixgoal lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Storm got back into the rhythm that has taken other teams apart quickly. With only a deficit of two goals at threequarter time, Pam Wouters came on into goal attack and her height and fresh legs became the defining factor in the last quarter, allowing Storm a fourgoal lead before they eventually won by two.
Meg Evans who played her heart out, although hindered by a nagging back injury and Pam Wouters took the court after being bedridden and unable to eat for five days. The additional return of Tahli Shields from work commitments and Amie Fraser from overseas will take the team to full strength for the anticipated rematch with DC Force at the Pakenham Stadium on Saturday.
The Storm will play a doubleheader against DC Force in division one and two followed by a charity auction to aid the victims of the Mildura tragedy at the Pakenham Indoor Sports Complex. The evening will be hosted by ABC personality Drew Morphett who will interview sporting stars during the evening and host the charity auction with wellknown local estate agent Keith Popovits as the auctioneer.
The evening will start after the matches at 6.30pm and 8pm with doors open at 6pm and for inquiries call 5941 3442.
