Netball Super League | Pulse bounce back to end Storm’s undefeated run

The fall of the undefeated and a dramatic draw, Round 5 saw it all.

As Manchester Thunder returned to winning ways against Loughborough Lightning, Surrey Storm fell to their first defeat of the season.

Elsewhere, Saracens Mavericks and Strathclyde Sirens continued their strong form with wins at home.

Pulse hand Storm their first loss of the season

Surrey Storm walked into this game with a 100% win rate but left with a loss.

The previously only undefeated team in the league were thwarted by a thriving London Pulse in a tense 52-47 game.

Both teams started strong on both ends of the court, with the score quickly adding up to an even 6-6 before Storm took the lead.

Full-time and Pulse hand @SurreyStorm their first defeat of the @NetballSL 2023 season

52-47#FeelThePulse #NSL2023 pic.twitter.com/QYkRVwlW9r

— London Pulse Netball (@Pulse_Netball) March 4, 2023

Following a contact call on Storm, Pulse grabbed hold of their momentum and Ash Dekker‘s injection at wing attack closed the deficit to four goals at half time.

But it was all about the second half as Jade Clarke worked to steer the ball into Pulse’s attacking third and the talent of Liv Tchine shone through.

With the tables turned and Layla Guscoth and Amy Flanagan having to work hard to stop the efforts of Pulse, it was Hali Adio who had the last laugh with a massive intercept giving her team a five goal lead and handing Storm their first loss of the season.

Thunder strikes down Lightnings’ winning streak

The one-to-watch and the repeat of last year’s Grand Final, Manchester Thunder reigned supreme in a 62-55 battle against Loughborough Lightning.

Whilst Lightning looked strong going into the game, Thunders’ formidable defence from Shadine van der Merwe and Kerry Almond put a stop to their winning streak in the Manchester side’s first home game of the season.

Kerry Almond. That’s it. That’s the tweet 🤯

With only 5 minutes left of the game, @thundernetball capitalise on this huuugeee turnover 👏#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/dq33p4f08j

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) March 3, 2023

Thunder lead the whole game, but a fight back from Lightning saw them win the third-quarter 16-12.

Lois Pearson and Natalie Metcalf connected well in mid-court as they battled to fend off a hassling Lightning defence.

But despite the usual dynamite efforts rom Mary Cholhok, who passed a milestone 200 goals this season, Lightning were unable to carry their momentum into the final quarter and as Thunder extended their lead to take the win.

Mavericks continue their home winning streak

Saracens Mavericks stormed to a hard-fought 61-47 victory against Celtic Dragons.

South African star Monique Meyer shone for Mavericks as she fended off the likes of Laura Rudland and Phillipa Yarranton in the Dragons’ attack.

Linking up with Jodie Gibson at goal keeper, the pair were able to extinguish the Dragons fire, roaring to a 13-goal lead at half time.

The Celtic Dragons offence was weakened due to injury, and the Mavericks did not hold back as Christina Shaw and Georgia Lees took to the court to help their side to a second consecutive home victory.

This team 😍#BeAMaverick🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/ANcOgxCFUl

— Saracens Mavericks (@SaracensMavs) March 5, 2023

Rare draw for Rhinos and Sirens

Strathclyde Sirens and Leeds Rhinos saw a tense game full of twists and turns end in a dramatic 52-52 draw.

Rhinos were fighting to get their first win of the season, but Bethan Goodwin ripped away their hopes of victory with a final second equalizer.

Rhinos pulled away in the opening minutes and to dominate, but Sirens fought hard and after a close battle, were able to take away a first-quarter victory.

In a see-saw of goals and game leaders, it was Sirens who once again took the lead into half-time with an injection of Emma Barrie at goal shooter making the difference.

It all came down to the last quarter and it was an intense watch with both teams putting on a show.

With just 20 seconds left on the clock, Rhinos were leading by one goal – but Bethan Goodwin took a phenomenal buzzer beater bringing the final score level at 52-52 in a phenomenal ending.

👏 @MillieSanders01

Take a look at the highlights from our nail biter against @SirensNetball ➡️https://t.co/UkQIsZcjCO pic.twitter.com/gHJdYmdbAp

— Leeds Rhinos Netball (@RhinosNetballSL) March 6, 2023

Stars continue fine form

Severn Stars secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season with a resolute 67-50 victory over Team Bath.

Continuing their incredible form, with three wins from six so far, they now sit fifth in the table.

Asha Francis’ side looked strong in the opening stages but were unable to fend off the attacking prowess of Sigi Burger who eased her team ahead in the first quarter.

Fire Marshall 🔥👩‍🚒

A speedy intrusion from @GabsLMarshall gives @SevernStars a wider lead in the opening quarter#GetSomeNet | #NSL2023 pic.twitter.com/qdB6KVlIf3

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) March 4, 2023

Bath struggled with a series of unforced errors as they looked to a fresh squad in the likes of Sophie Kelly and Hannah Passmore.

A late fightback from Bath in the form of Kadeen Corbin put pressure on Stars but a Ruth Hughes debut and Issy Eaton influx helped a professional Stars side seal the deal.