Ice-hockey: Streatham Storm’s D1 team go top of the table following win over Wildcats

Streatham Storm went top of the English Women’s Division One (South) with a 8-1 home victory over Swindon Topcats, writes Hugh Carnegy.

Following an 11-0 victory against Oxford the previous weekend, Storm D1 have put their narrow opening game loss at Solent behind them as they go in search of promotion to the Premier League.

Parris Moore was top scorer, bagging a hat-trick. Annette Kerr clocked up three assists as well as scoring a goal.

Sue Parsons, a Storm veteran making a welcome return to the action this season after a few years’ break, opened the scoring in the sixth minute to set Streatham on their way and picked up a second score in the second period.

Young French star Margaux Cesar roofed a terrific snapshot on a breakaway early in the second period to give Storm a 4-0 lead before Swindon pulled one back through skipper Louise Mason.

Storm rattled in four more goals, with captain Sorana Churchill completing the roster of goalscorers. There were assists from Chrissy Brouillard (two), Briony Marshall, Erika Gatyasova and Cesar.

There was some imperious defence from youngster Jessica Preece and a confident showing by netminder Stephanie Wicken.

“It was an excellent all-round performance,” said Churchill. “We have gained a lot of confidence, with everyone contributing.”

Storm Elite were outshot 51-30 by a Guildford team who made their greater experience in the top-flight tell.

Ruth Cattell in net was in fine form to keep the home side in the game.

Streatham’s transition out of defence often lacked precision and pace despite some surging runs out of defence by Isabelle Whiteley.

“Storm D1 are really coming together as a team,” said head coach Sam Nicoll. “They played very well today and deserve to lead the league.

“The elite team are competing hard but we need to sharpen up a bit to start taking more points at this level. A number of players have had to miss practice and that showed against a well-drilled Guildford outfit.”

Storm’s next home fixture is D1 fixture against Basingstoke on Saturday November 25. Face-off at 18.50. Entrance is free.