Latest news with #Soft&GentleSuperShots
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
London Pulse book place in Netball Super League Grand Final
London Pulse punched their ticket to the 2025 Netball Super League Grand Final with a thrilling 50-49 major semi-final victory over Loughborough Lightning. Pulse fought back from an six-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to take victory in one of the most absorbing play-off contests the league has seen. Olivia Tchine held her nerve in the circle for Pulse with a trio of decisive Soft & Gentle Super Shots in the final five minutes to turn the game on its head and send her side to the O2 on 6 July. "It's amazing," said captain Zara Everitt. "That was such an up and down game but we ground it out and that shows the maturity and the determination of the team. "We know [the Grand Final] is the big one. It is great to have the two other accolades, it really celebrates the success we have had throughout the season, but we really want that final trophy. We will put the hard work in over the next two weeks to try and get it." Pulse edge Lightning in enthralling contest Lightning were quickest out of the blocks, and quickly asserted a comfortable lead as Pulse struggled in front of the post in the early exchanges. There were clearly nerves on both sides, with each producing some uncharacteristic errors early on but it was Lightning who pushed out to a five-goal lead. Pulse scored just three goals in the opening 12 minutes, while Lightning took their chances to lead 11-3 and force a timeout from the hosts. Sam Bird's side were much improved after the break, with replacement Gracie Smith making an immediate impact at centre. Lightning continued to keep their scoreboard ticking however with the combination of Ella Clark and Samantha Wallace-Joseph making good use of the Soft & Gentle Super Shot. It allowed the defending champions to push their lead back out to 12 at one stage, but Pulse once again rallied to reduce the gap to eight as the teams headed into half time. The third quarter, as it so often does, proved pivotal in turning the game on its head as Pulse came roaring back into the contest. Two quick turnovers from Zara Everitt helped Pulse quickly eat into Lightning's lead, with the visitors calling their own timeout while five ahead. Tchine continued to impress in the circle for Pulse and it was her Super Shots that pulled Pulse level, and then into the lead, towards the end of the third quarter. Funmi Fadoju and Halimat Adio also stepped up to produce turnovers at key points for Pulse, but Vic Burgess' side refused to let the momentum completely turn and finished strongly to send the sides into the final quarter level at 35-35. The decisive fourth quarter opened with the teams going goal for goal, before Lightning got their noses in front midway through the quarter to establish a two-goal lead. The lead moved out to six after Berri Neil got a vital tip and then converted a Super Shot with four minutes left on the clock, before Wallace-Joseph added another as Lightning put the Grand Final within reach. But Tchine responded with three back-to-back of her own to level the scores once more to set up a grandstand final two minutes. A deflection from Everitt proved decisive, as Pulse turned the ball over and once more set Tchine up to convert a Super Shot, before adding another goal to make it a three-goal game. Wallace-Joseph scored a Super Shot at the death but it was not enough to prevent Pulse taking victory and booking their place in the Grand Final on 6 July. Thunder advance to Preliminary Final Loughborough Lightning will face Manchester Thunder in the Preliminary Final after they defeated London Mavericks 79-49 in the minor semi-final at Belle Vue. Thunder took control of the contest from the outset, running out to a 20-goal lead at half time before seeing out victory amidst seaering heat in Manchester. Thunder continued to welcome back Paige Reed and Lois Pearson from injury, with the pair combining to good affect in the circle. "It felt really good," said Pearson. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, after last week we knew they would come back fighting but pleased we got the win. "I am very happy personally, I have only been back two games so it means I get another game. "I am feeling good. I have had a lot of support from both Thunder and England and we are slowly building my minutes back up but it feels good to be back out there."
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
London Pulse book place in Netball Super League Grand Final
Pulse fought back from an six-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to take victory in one of the most absorbing play-off contests the league has seen. Olivia Tchine held her nerve in the circle for Pulse with a trio of decisive Soft & Gentle Super Shots in the final five minutes to turn the game on its head and send her side to the O2 on 6 July. "It's amazing," said captain Zara Everitt. "That was such an up and down game but we ground it out and that shows the maturity and the determination of the team. "We know [the Grand Final] is the big one. It is great to have the two other accolades, it really celebrates the success we have had throughout the season, but we really want that final trophy. We will put the hard work in over the next two weeks to try and get it." Pulse edge Lightning in enthralling contest Lightning were quickest out of the blocks, and quickly asserted a comfortable lead as Pulse struggled in front of the post in the early exchanges. There were clearly nerves on both sides, with each producing some uncharacteristic errors early on but it was Lightning who pushed out to a five-goal lead. Pulse scored just three goals in the opening 12 minutes, while Lightning took their chances to lead 11-3 and force a timeout from the hosts. Sam Bird's side were much improved after the break, with replacement Gracie Smith making an immediate impact at centre. Lightning continued to keep their scoreboard ticking however with the combination of Ella Clark and Samantha Wallace-Joseph making good use of the Soft & Gentle Super Shot. It allowed the defending champions to push their lead back out to 12 at one stage, but Pulse once again rallied to reduce the gap to eight as the teams headed into half time. The third quarter, as it so often does, proved pivotal in turning the game on its head as Pulse came roaring back into the contest. Two quick turnovers from Zara Everitt helped Pulse quickly eat into Lightning's lead, with the visitors calling their own timeout while five ahead. Tchine continued to impress in the circle for Pulse and it was her Super Shots that pulled Pulse level, and then into the lead, towards the end of the third quarter. Funmi Fadoju and Halimat Adio also stepped up to produce turnovers at key points for Pulse, but Vic Burgess' side refused to let the momentum completely turn and finished strongly to send the sides into the final quarter level at 35-35. The decisive fourth quarter opened with the teams going goal for goal, before Lightning got their noses in front midway through the quarter to establish a two-goal lead. The lead moved out to six after Berri Neil got a vital tip and then converted a Super Shot with four minutes left on the clock, before Wallace-Joseph added another as Lightning put the Grand Final within reach. But Tchine responded with three back-to-back of her own to level the scores once more to set up a grandstand final two minutes. A deflection from Everitt proved decisive, as Pulse turned the ball over and once more set Tchine up to convert a Super Shot, before adding another goal to make it a three-goal game. Wallace-Joseph scored a Super Shot at the death but it was not enough to prevent Pulse taking victory and booking their place in the Grand Final on 6 July. Thunder advance to Preliminary Final Loughborough Lightning will face Manchester Thunder in the Preliminary Final after they defeated London Mavericks 79-49 in the minor semi-final at Belle Vue. Thunder took control of the contest from the outset, running out to a 20-goal lead at half time before seeing out victory amidst seaering heat in Manchester. Thunder continued to welcome back Paige Reed and Lois Pearson from injury, with the pair combining to good affect in the circle. "It felt really good," said Pearson. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, after last week we knew they would come back fighting but pleased we got the win. "I am very happy personally, I have only been back two games so it means I get another game. "I am feeling good. I have had a lot of support from both Thunder and England and we are slowly building my minutes back up but it feels good to be back out there." To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on X, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter. The NSL Grand Final will be held at The O2 on 6 July for the first time ever. Get your tickets to experience live elite netball!
South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
London Pulse book place in Netball Super League Grand Final
Pulse fought back from an six-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to take victory in one of the most absorbing play-off contests the league has seen. Olivia Tchine held her nerve in the circle for Pulse with a trio of decisive Soft & Gentle Super Shots in the final five minutes to turn the game on its head and send her side to the O2 on 6 July. "It's amazing," said captain Zara Everitt. "That was such an up and down game but we ground it out and that shows the maturity and the determination of the team. "We know [the Grand Final] is the big one. It is great to have the two other accolades, it really celebrates the success we have had throughout the season, but we really want that final trophy. We will put the hard work in over the next two weeks to try and get it." Pulse edge Lightning in enthralling contest Lightning were quickest out of the blocks, and quickly asserted a comfortable lead as Pulse struggled in front of the post in the early exchanges. There were clearly nerves on both sides, with each producing some uncharacteristic errors early on but it was Lightning who pushed out to a five-goal lead. Pulse scored just three goals in the opening 12 minutes, while Lightning took their chances to lead 11-3 and force a timeout from the hosts. Sam Bird's side were much improved after the break, with replacement Gracie Smith making an immediate impact at centre. Lightning continued to keep their scoreboard ticking however with the combination of Ella Clark and Samantha Wallace-Joseph making good use of the Soft & Gentle Super Shot. It allowed the defending champions to push their lead back out to 12 at one stage, but Pulse once again rallied to reduce the gap to eight as the teams headed into half time. The third quarter, as it so often does, proved pivotal in turning the game on its head as Pulse came roaring back into the contest. Two quick turnovers from Zara Everitt helped Pulse quickly eat into Lightning's lead, with the visitors calling their own timeout while five ahead. Tchine continued to impress in the circle for Pulse and it was her Super Shots that pulled Pulse level, and then into the lead, towards the end of the third quarter. Funmi Fadoju and Halimat Adio also stepped up to produce turnovers at key points for Pulse, but Vic Burgess' side refused to let the momentum completely turn and finished strongly to send the sides into the final quarter level at 35-35. The decisive fourth quarter opened with the teams going goal for goal, before Lightning got their noses in front midway through the quarter to establish a two-goal lead. The lead moved out to six after Berri Neil got a vital tip and then converted a Super Shot with four minutes left on the clock, before Wallace-Joseph added another as Lightning put the Grand Final within reach. But Tchine responded with three back-to-back of her own to level the scores once more to set up a grandstand final two minutes. A deflection from Everitt proved decisive, as Pulse turned the ball over and once more set Tchine up to convert a Super Shot, before adding another goal to make it a three-goal game. Wallace-Joseph scored a Super Shot at the death but it was not enough to prevent Pulse taking victory and booking their place in the Grand Final on 6 July. Thunder advance to Preliminary Final Loughborough Lightning will face Manchester Thunder in the Preliminary Final after they defeated London Mavericks 79-49 in the minor semi-final at Belle Vue. Thunder took control of the contest from the outset, running out to a 20-goal lead at half time before seeing out victory amidst seaering heat in Manchester. Thunder continued to welcome back Paige Reed and Lois Pearson from injury, with the pair combining to good affect in the circle. "It felt really good," said Pearson. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, after last week we knew they would come back fighting but pleased we got the win. "I am very happy personally, I have only been back two games so it means I get another game. "I am feeling good. I have had a lot of support from both Thunder and England and we are slowly building my minutes back up but it feels good to be back out there." To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on X, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter. The NSL Grand Final will be held at The O2 on 6 July for the first time ever. Get your tickets to experience live elite netball!
South Wales Argus
11-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Dragons claim first win of 2025 as Pulse and Thunder bounce back
London Pulse steadied the ship with a derby win over London Mavericks as Loughborough Lightning and Manchester Thunder kept up the charge with wins over NIC Leeds Rhinos and Nottingham Forest respectively. Dragons down Panthers LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons picked up their first win of the season after powering past Birmingham Panthers 61-57 in Round 9. Panthers held a 34-32 lead by the interval at Coventry Skydome and narrowly led the contest by a single point entering the final 15 minutes. But Dragons kept pace with the hosts and with the scores tied at 57-57, seized control of the game through Phillipa Yarranton before Georgia Rowe put the finishing touches with the final basket of the match. Elle McDonald stole the show with her tireless work rate across both ends of the court and was duly awarded Kissimmee Player of the Match. Lightning make it five in a row Loughborough Lightning took pole position in the Netball Super League with their fifth successive victory after downing NIC Leeds Rhinos 71-59. Both teams were evenly matched up until five minutes before the break, when hosts Lightning began to pull away. They eventually ended the third quarter with a comfortable 54-39 lead at the Sir David Wallace Arena before clinching the contest off the back of a hot shooting performance from the court, with Berri Neil and Samantha Joseph-Wallace starring throughout. Goal attack Neil was named Kissimmee Player of the Match after tallying 12 goals and three Soft & Gentle Super Shots to help her side temporarily climb above London Pulse in the league table. Pulse do the double over Mavericks London Pulse returned to winning ways, and the top of the Netball Super League table, with a 63-53 win over cross-city rivals London Mavericks at OVO Wembley Arena. The first quarter started fast and saw both teams keep pace with one another until a final-minute flurry from Pulse gave them a 17-11 lead. The visitors extended their advantage during the second quarter, Olivia Tchine and Nichole Breedt were again deadly in front of goal and making the most of the final five minutes to claim five more Super Shots between them. Razia Quashie did her best to keep Pulse's front two quiet and, despite their deadly finishing, the Maverick's goal keeper pulled off several good interceptions. Kira Rothwell's introduction to proceedings helped her side keep within reach of the away side, and a series of Super Shots in the third quarter saw Mavericks only trail by six after 45 minutes of action. Mavericks gave it their all in the final quarter but could never get closer than four goals from Pulse, who, thanks to clinical finishing from Tchine, saw out the game to win. Thunder bounce back against Forest Manchester Thunder's impressive performance meant they left the East Midlands with the victory as they beat Nottingham Forest Netball 72-58 at the Motorpoint Arena. Thunder's Taylor McKevitt was one of the standout performers for the visitors as the Manchester-based side helped their chances of a play-off berth by counting back from their 65-53 loss to Loughborough Lightning last time out. The opening 15 minutes saw both teams go after one another but Thunder went into the first interval with a slender 17-13 advantage. The intensity of the first quarter continued in the second as both teams upped the ante going forward as 40 points were shared between the two sides, Thunder edging further in front by the end the half with the score 38-32. Indya Masser impressed as she controlled the mid-court, providing a useful link up with Elmeré van der Berg whose proficiency with the Super Shot pushed her side out of sight. For the ultimate showdown, secure your seat at the 2025 Grand Final at The O2, London! To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on X, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dragons claim first win of NSL as Pulse and Thunder bounce back
LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons defeated Birmingham Panthers to claim a first win of the Netball Super League season in Round 9. London Pulse steadied the ship with a derby win over London Mavericks as Loughborough Lightning and Manchester Thunder kept up the charge with wins over NIC Leeds Rhinos and Nottingham Forest respectively. Dragons down Panthers LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons picked up their first win of the season after powering past Birmingham Panthers 61-57 in Round 9. Panthers held a 34-32 lead by the interval at Coventry Skydome and narrowly led the contest by a single point entering the final 15 minutes. But Dragons kept pace with the hosts and with the scores tied at 57-57, seized control of the game through Phillipa Yarranton before Georgia Rowe put the finishing touches with the final basket of the match. Elle McDonald stole the show with her tireless work rate across both ends of the court and was duly awarded Kissimmee Player of the Match. Lightning make it five in a row Loughborough Lightning took pole position in the Netball Super League with their fifth successive victory after downing NIC Leeds Rhinos 71-59. Both teams were evenly matched up until five minutes before the break, when hosts Lightning began to pull away. They eventually ended the third quarter with a comfortable 54-39 lead at the Sir David Wallace Arena before clinching the contest off the back of a hot shooting performance from the court, with Berri Neil and Samantha Joseph-Wallace starring throughout. Goal attack Neil was named Kissimmee Player of the Match after tallying 12 goals and three Soft & Gentle Super Shots to help her side temporarily climb above London Pulse in the league table. Pulse do the double over Mavericks London Pulse returned to winning ways, and the top of the Netball Super League table, with a 63-53 win over cross-city rivals London Mavericks at OVO Wembley Arena. The first quarter started fast and saw both teams keep pace with one another until a final-minute flurry from Pulse gave them a 17-11 lead. The visitors extended their advantage during the second quarter, Olivia Tchine and Nichole Breedt were again deadly in front of goal and making the most of the final five minutes to claim five more Super Shots between them. Razia Quashie did her best to keep Pulse's front two quiet and, despite their deadly finishing, the Maverick's goal keeper pulled off several good interceptions. Kira Rothwell's introduction to proceedings helped her side keep within reach of the away side, and a series of Super Shots in the third quarter saw Mavericks only trail by six after 45 minutes of action. Mavericks gave it their all in the final quarter but could never get closer than four goals from Pulse, who, thanks to clinical finishing from Tchine, saw out the game to win. Thunder bounce back against Forest Manchester Thunder's impressive performance meant they left the East Midlands with the victory as they beat Nottingham Forest Netball 72-58 at the Motorpoint Arena. Thunder's Taylor McKevitt was one of the standout performers for the visitors as the Manchester-based side helped their chances of a play-off berth by counting back from their 65-53 loss to Loughborough Lightning last time out. The opening 15 minutes saw both teams go after one another but Thunder went into the first interval with a slender 17-13 advantage. The intensity of the first quarter continued in the second as both teams upped the ante going forward as 40 points were shared between the two sides, Thunder edging further in front by the end the half with the score 38-32. Indya Masser impressed as she controlled the mid-court, providing a useful link up with Elmeré van der Berg whose proficiency with the Super Shot pushed her side out of sight.
