Severn Stars 66 Surrey Storm 62

SEVERN Stars caused a major upset in the Vitality Netball Superleague by beating reigning champions Surrey Storm 66-62.

Stars, who before the match sat four places below their opposition, produced their most consistent performance of the season to claim back-to-back wins for the first time.

They saw out a tense final quarter when Storm got within two points of their lead to thrill their supporters at the University of Worcester Arena and keep the team’s hopes of reaching the final four alive.

Storm, chasing a third successive title, raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening minutes courtesy of towering 6ft 7in goal shooter Megan Craig.

But Stars grew into the game and immediately roared back with the solid defensive duo of goal keeper Josie Janz-Dawson and goal defence Jodie Gibson causing several turnovers with goal shooter Eleanor Cardwell profiting to cut the deficit to 8-6.

Storm regained control, stretching their lead to 15-10 and threatening to run away with the first quarter.

But Stars rallied with the impressive Cardwell and substitute goal attack Yasmin Hodge-England scoring to cut the deficit at the end of the first quarter to 15-13.

Stars came out firing in the second quarter and stunned the visitors with slick attacking play allowing them to edge in front for the first time before they extended their advantage to 21-16.

But the visitors hit back and levelled with three minutes left of the quarter through the sharp shooting of Craig.

Momentum continued in Storm’s favour as they edged ahead by two points in the final 90 seconds of the half before a final push from Stars allowed Cardwell and Hodge-England to take them into the half-time break level at 29-29.

Stars continued to match Storm in an end-to-end third quarter when neither side could gain a decisive advantage.

With less than five minutes left of the quarter Stars finally edged three points ahead after a defence-splitting pass from centre Laura Malcolm allowed Cardwell to make it 44-41.

A crucial interception from Janz-Dawson in the closing seconds allowed Stars to launch a swift counter-attack and Cardwell capitalised, ensuring Stars went into the final 15 minutes with a 50-45 lead.

The hosts continued to perform strongly in the final quarter, maintaining their five-goal lead with the pick of the goals coming from Cardwell who acrobatically prevented the ball from going out of bounds before swivelling to net from a difficult angle.

Storm's long-range passing game allowed Craig to make the most of her height advantage to bring the score back to within two points in a tense final few minutes.

But the hosts kept their composure and attacking pair Cardwell and Hodge-England continued their impressive performances to keep Stars ahead and ensure the victory.

Stars head coach Mo’onia Gerrard said: “We’re delighted. There’s definitely a good feeling among the group. We just now need to push through.

“We’re starting to believe. The team are now developing, understanding and growing and the girls need to learn from this and just keep on going.”

Stars visit Team Bath on Friday (7.30pm) hoping to claim a third successive win.