There was some consolation when Storry was adjudged the ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’ after a stupendous show in the Women’s World Cup in Rosario, Argentina. But the inability to stop a drag-flick at a crucial juncture has haunted her ever since, prompting Storry to adopt a rather unusual method to rectify the flaw – training with Richard Mantle, one of the best drag-flickers in the world.
“After that match against Holland, the entire team felt miserable. Many of us could not restrain our emotions. We had prepared so well for that tournament, and it was our dream to win the World Cup. But we faltered after a gallant effort against Holland in the semis. Even though we won the bronze, it was of no consolation for us,” Storry told Deccan Herald on Friday.
“The Lammers flick that went past me was a revelation of sorts. It perhaps told me where I needed to improve. I needed to take some serious measures if I wanted to improve and I sought the help of Richard, who is one of the best drag-flickers in the game,” she said.
So, what has she learned from her sessions with Mantle? “The power and speed that Richard generates in his flick is awesome. It helps me improve my anticipation and reflexes as I am around with one of the best in the department. We also play for the same club back in England, in Reading,” she explained.
“I must also give credit to my skipper Kate Walsh and Crista Cullen, two of our best drag-flickers, for helping me rectify certain aspects of my goalkeeping,” she added.
The weather in India, Storry said, should not pose too much of a problem for the English women. “We are not actually bothered by the weather though yes, players India and Malaysia will be much more comfortable in these conditions. We are here well in advance of our matches and so I think acclimatisation should not be a problem,” she said.
Storry said the England team was determined to clinch the yellow-coloured medal in the CWG. England had defeated Germany win bronze in the Rosario event.
“We are well prepared for the CWG. The girls are determined to clinch the gold here. We had missed out on gold in Manchester in 2002, losing to India in a closely fought match. But this time, we hope to change the script,” she said.
The toughest challenge for England, Storry said, would come from hosts India, New Zealand and Australia. “India are fast improving and are doubly dangerous at home.
Then come Australia. They are an ever-dangerous side with a lot of good players in their ranks. New Zealand will be our toughest rivals in the group stage, but it should be a breeze for us. The competition will get tougher after that, but we are confident as we’ve got some very good players with us.
“The presence of Kate and Crista, two really good drag-flickers as I said earlier, will benefit us immensly,” she added.
So, will there be an happy ending to this Storry?
