London Pulse dominated the third quarter, beating Surrey Storm 55–42; Pulse to face Loughborough Lightning in Sunday’s final after beating Manchester Thunder 65-59; Watch live on Sky Sports Arena and YouTube from 1.45pm on Sunday
22:32, UK, Friday 09 June 2023
London Pulse booked their first trip to the Netball Super League Grand Final with a 55-42 win over Surrey Storm.
The Storm held a one-goal advantage after the first quarter, and the Pulse responded strongly in front of a strong crowd at the Copper Box Arena to take a 25-23 halftime lead.
Pulse picked up the pace in the third quarter and at times extended their advantage to an 11-goal cushion, while the Storm – who had lost both matches against their London rivals in the regular season – trailed by 10 heading into the final quarter.
Sunday’s season finale saw victory over league leaders Pulse.
London Pulse eased their way through Surrey Storm in a stunning move to go over 50 in the Netball Super League semi-finals.
„It’s amazing,” said Sam Bird, London Pulse’s director of netball. „I’m really happy for the club, the players and all the staff. It’s the first time we’ve been to the final, it’s an amazing atmosphere and I’m very proud.
“I thought they were in a couple circles [Funmi Fadoju and Halimat Adio] Absolutely enormous. There’s no way they’ve closed the door and been a good partnership.”
London Pulse netball director says Funmi Fadoju has been fantastic after sending his team to their first Super League final.
Loughborough Lightning are into their fifth Grand Final in six years after a hard-fought 65-59 victory over defending champions Manchester Thunder.
The Thunder trailed by three after the opening quarter before impressing in the second quarter, taking a one-goal advantage into halftime in a high-scoring contest.
Loughborough Lightning finished their night off Manchester Thunder with a cheeky reverse scoop.
The Lightning produced a strong finish in the third quarter to ensure they face the Pulse on Sunday.
„Oh my god, it was an unbelievable game,” said Lightning center Natalie Panagari, who was awarded the player of the game award. „I’m very proud of the team. I’m not sure about it [player of the match] Owned by me, I thought the whole team was unique. I’m very proud that we made it to the finals.”
Now attention turns to the final day of the season, where the Pulse take on the Lightning from 4.15pm and the Storm Thunder at 2pm.
Who will win the Netball Super League Grand Final? Watch live on Sky Sports Arena from 1.45pm on Sunday and free on the Sky Sports YouTube channel.