Kingston netballer Hannah Reid is out to put into practice what she has learnt from England stars Geva Mentor and Sonjia Mkoloma.

The 25-year-old former Tiffin School for Girls student has watched largely from the sidelines as the pair have helped Surrey Storm dominate the Co-operative Superleague to top the table with an unbeaten record this season.

Mentor and Mkoloma departed for the southern hemisphere ANZ Championships earlier this month, which has seen both experienced 27-year-old defender Natalie Seaton and ex-England and Jamaican international Janet Coulburne join the club as replacements.

It means Reid will again have a battle on her hands to secure a regular starting slot for the league leaders as they bid to land the Superleague title in their first campaign as the new franchise for London & South East.

And Reid, who lives in Molesey, reckons she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The first half of the season has been great and being top of the table is where we want to stay,” she said.

“We’ve got two new players, so it is now a case of working with that and seeing what the best combinations will be.

“I’ve really enjoyed training with Sonia and Geva, and watching them in matches. It will be great to finally get on the court more regularly and use what I have learnt from them in a game situation.

“You’ve got to keep the squad strong so they were always going to sign players to replace Sonia and Geva. Now it is a case of working out who works best with them.”

Storm, who currently play their home games at the Guildford Spectrum and train at Lady Elenor Holles School, will switch to their new base at the Guildford Sports Park later this season.

Head coach Mary Beardwood’s side are the best supported in this year’s competition and Reid is hoping they will be able to take their fans with them when they finally re-locate.

“The crowds have made a big difference this year. It is great to play in front of big crowds. It gives you a big lift,” she added.

“There is a really good atmosphere when we play at home. The support here is much better than at other places we go to around the country.

“We’re out to win the whole thing and we’re really looking forward to the rest of the season.”

New faces-

JANET COULBURNE

Date of birth: December 3, 1973.

Positions: GK/GD.

Height: 179m.

From: Portland, Jamaica.

Lives: London.

Occupation: Teacher.

Previous Superleague clubs: Mavericks 2004-2007, played in 2 Superleague Finals losing both to Team Bath.

International Honours: Jamaica U19, Jamaica National Side, England National side, competed for England in the 2003 World Championships.

NATALIE SEATON

Date of Birth: December 7, 1982.

Positions: WD/GD Height: 5ft10.

Lives: London.

Occupation: Surveyor.

Previous Superleague Clubs: Mavericks and Team Bath – One Superleague title.

International Honours: England National Squad, FENA Open Squad and captain.