Lightning Confirm their Home Semi-Final in the Final Round of the NSL

The final normal round of the Netball Super League (NSL) took place this weekend, with some teams taking to court in the NSL for the final time as they will not be part of the NSL re-launch next season.

Two of those departing teams are Surrey Storm and Strathclyde Sirens, and they went head-to-head in an emotional encounter in Scotland, in which Storm’s dominant start was just enough to survive Siren’s comeback.

Elsewhere live on NetballPass, Team Bath also played their last game in the NSL, as they travelled to Cardiff to take on Dragons.

Just like in the Storm vs Sirens game, Dragons strong start was enough for them to survive a Bath bounce back in the final quarter.

Wales very own Leah Middleton teamed up with Australian Jacqui Newton in defence for Dragons, and the duo were a force to be reckoned with.

Middleton made three interceptions, three deflections and four gains, whilst Newton made two interceptions, three deflections and six gains, as Dragons went on to win 58-41.

You can catch up on this game here.

The second game on NetballPass this weekend was Loughborough Lightning vs Severn Stars, two of the leagues’ Semi-Finalists.

For Lightning a victory would ensure they had a home Semi-Final, and from the first whistle you could tell they were not going to settle for anything less.

The home side won the first quarter 18-15, and by half-time had a 39-24 lead thanks to perfect performances from the likes of England Rose Rhea Dixon, who shot at 93%, put in 12 feeds and received 18 centre passes.

Stars shot out in the second half though, winning the third quarter 17-20, and reminding everyone just why they are also confirmed Semi-Finalists.

Stars come back was not enough though, as the game finished 72-60 to Lightning meaning they will now face London Pulse at home in their Semi-Final on the 22nd June.

You can catch up on this match here.

The other two Semi-Finalists Pulse and Manchester Thunder were also in action this weekend, with Thunder silencing Leeds Rhinos as they beat them 68-32, whilst Pulse were held to a 54-54 draw against Saracens Mavericks, who will be playing under a new name of London Mavericks next season.

In all the other clashes this weekend we had seen second half comebacks that just weren’t enough, but for Mavericks their 16-13 final quarter was enough for them to take a point from Semi-Finalists Pulse.

Next up on NetballPass are the two Semi-Finals on the 22nd June, which will see Thunder and Stars, and Lightning and Pulse, battle it out for the two Grand Final spots.

The Grand Final will take place on the 29th June, and will also be available on NetballPass, live from the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham.

You don’t want to miss the end of this season! You can purchase a Semi-Finals and Grand Final pass for NetballPass now, for just £4.95 GBP. 

To view all the results, the current table, and read our International Player Watch preview, visit our NSL page now.