Saturday’s game sees Hemel Storm make the journey to face Bristol Hurricanes in what is a crucial game to cement their position at the top of the table. Following previous defeats to the Essex Rebels and Loughborough Riders, Storm will look to respond in a tough fixture against a team with quality in their roster.
Storm will be significantly aided by the return of Matt Ellis, following his 21-day absence due to concussion, as he will provide an exceptional amount of quality on the floor. With Bristol’s roster including former Plymouth City Patriots Elvisi Dusha and Jules Dang-Akodo, Storm will look to combat this with a combination of experience and athleticism. Darien Nelson-Henry and Sam Newman will be key players to watch, having showcased their talents throughout many seasons.
Bristol Hurricanes come into this weekend in 7th place and will be keen to remain in the playoffs following this fixture. This season, the Hurricanes have turned to the likes of Vilmantas Dilys, Daniel Edozie and Denzel Ubiaro, who have made outstanding contributions. In many games, Bristol have shown great ability to score from the perimeter, so executing on the defensive end will be a priority for Mark Clark and his men.
This fixture will be Storm’s second matchup with the Hurricanes in their history, as well as their first trip to the UWE Sports Centre. Both teams come into this with mixed mentalities. For Storm, the goal will be to follow on from their 88-78 victory earlier in the season and potentially further the margin of victory. Alternatively, the Hurricanes will be ready to avenge this, aiming for victory, sustaining themselves in the playoff positions and protecting their home court.
It is sure to be an entertaining matchup between the two teams and a game which holds significance in the race for the league title. Limiting Bristol to tough shots will be key, whilst executing possessions and minimising turnovers could prove to be the difference between winning and losing.
Storm’s next game at home sees them play their final league game of the regular season at the StormDome, as they host the Newcastle Knights, in what is an equally important game. It will be amazing to see as many fans as possible inside the StormDome, as we aim to sell out again. To guarantee your entry to the game, make sure to secure your tickets using the Fanbase platform.
Storm are also guaranteed a home playoff quarter final game although the opposition is yet to be decided dependent on final league standings. This will take place on Saturday 12th April at Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre, 7pm tip off. Tickets for this are also available on Fanbase.
Written by Ollie Heathcote