IN the upset of the season, Surrey Storm has defeated Team Bath on the road to kick-off a magnificent Round 4 of Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) action. Just when it looked like the favourites had all their way this season, the Storm stepped up to take out one of the title contenders in a 62-58 victory.

Surrey Storm hit the road to take on the in-form Team Bath in a standalone fixture on Friday night at Team Bath Arena. Though many home fans would have expected a regulation victory against the bottom-two winless side, it was anything but, with the Storm producing a memorable third term to steal the win after trailing by four at half-time. The first term was even, but Bath then gained the advantage with an 18-14 second quarter, before Surrey took over courtesy of a 17-9 term. That gave the Storm a four-goal lead, something they managed to hold until the end of the match, to salute, 62-58.

In a somewhat cruel – but mostly ironic – twist of events, former Bath defender Abigail Robson who earned Player of the Match for her performance for her role coming off the bench to quell the Team Bath defence in the second half. Up front, Peace Proscovia produced another dominant performance for the Storm, taking control, and working well with Emma Magee who showed she was not afraid to put up her own shots. They had the opportunities due to the hard work of reliable midcourters Yasmin Parsons and Mikki Austin who got on top in the second half.

Team Bath captain Imogen Allison tried all she could throughout he match, with Layla Guscoth and Tash Pavelin teaming up well in that first half. After 23 goals in the first half, Kim Borger was more tightly guarded after the break, with the Storm defence ale to get on top in that area courtesy of Robson’s work. Jessica Shaw and Kirsty Harris worked hard in midcourt, though to no avail in the end as the Storm enjoyed the upset win.

Surrey Storm hosts reigning champions Loughborough Lightning on Monday night in a double-up for them in Round 4, whilst Team Bath will look to Round 5 when they take on Severn Stars at the University of Gloucestershire Arena on Saturday, February 26.