Pulse edge out Lightning to reach Grand Final

With a dazzling 50-49 victory over the Loughborough Lightning, London Pulse won the Netball Super League Grand Final.

At half-time, Pulse had led by 29-21 going into the final game of the Netball Super League regular season, ahead of Lightning.

However, Pulse seized control of the game as they fought back in the third quarter.

Pulse jumped out to a quick lead thanks to captain Zara Everitt’s two quick turnovers.

Before Olivia Tchine took the lead toward the end of the third quarter, Pulse was able to level with her clinical scoring.

In the final five minutes, Tchine hit three stunning super shots that held her nerve in the circle.

It feels good to be back after two years of not staging grand finals. When we entered the changing area, the question “do we want this or not” was raised, and we showed it. We had to demonstrate our desire in order to compete against the big teams.

Sam Bird, Pulse’s director of netball, said, “I’m buzzing right now, after our terrible start.” The players’ grit and resolve to pull it back make me very proud of them.

We were aware that the situation had changed by half-time. We were defensively like a brick wall, and any team that could get past that is difficult. Who will we play next will be the one who will win.

Vic Burgess, head coach of the Lightning, said: “I thought we had a good start, but we made mistakes in the third quarter.”

We seized them, we said, “We had opportunities.” Next week’s preliminary final will be cracked once more. In both attack and defense, we must remain consistent and carry out the necessary actions.

In the preliminary final of next weekend’s preliminary competition, the Manchester Thunder defeated the London Mavericks 79-49 to set up a meeting with the Lightning.

Elmere van der Berg, the Thunder’s top goaltender, led the charge with 46 goals, while Paige Reed, the team’s top goalie, had eight.

Despite Emily Andrew’s best efforts, which finished with 17 goals for the Mavericks, Thunder had a 24-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.