Photo credit: Ben Lumley
Following Round 9 of the Netball Super League (NSL) live and on demand on NetballPass*, Loughborough Lightning have become the first team this season to secure a spot in the Soft & Gentle Play-Offs.
Here is this week’s International Player Watch:
Leeds Rhinos vs Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest managed to withstand a 4th quarter charge from Leeds Rhinos to win the first game of Round 9, 63 – 68.
Forest led by 14 going into the final 15 minutes, thanks to a dominant 3rd quarter which was spearheaded by their England Rose defender, Jayda Pechová, who ended the game with nine gains, six interceptions, three rebounds and three deflections.
However, Rhinos day was far from done and although their strong final 15 minutes wasn’t enough to steal the win it did ensure they took away a well-deserved bonus point.
Despite being on the eventual losing side Harriet Jones had one of her best games yet for Rhinos, as she scored seven Amex Super Shots, an area which her side had lacked in so far this season.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
London Mavericks vs Manchester Thunder
One team that did manage a second half bounce back was Manchester Thunder, after they found themselves eight goals down to London Mavericks at half time.
Mavericks had a clinical first half with England Rose George Inger at the centre of that success, as she shot at 93% throughout the game.
However, Thunder dampened the Mavericks parade in quarter three as they switched up the gears and came out flying, winning the 15 minutes 23-7.
Thunder had key impact players at both ends of the court, with South Africa SPAR Protea Nicola Smith dominating in defence with five rebounds and five gains, and England Rose Lois Pearson a key link in attack as she scored 10 goals and put in nine feeds at goal attack, supplying fellow Rose Eleanor Cardwell in the circle.
Thanks to their fourth quarter turnaround, Thunder were able to go on and win this game 47 – 60.
You can catch up now on NetballPass*, here.
Birmingham Panthers vs London Pulse
London Pulse did not miss a beat on their trip to Birmingham as they beat Panthers 35 – 61.
Young Rose, Gracie Smith, who made a name for herself in the NSL last season as she became the youngest player to play in and win the league, was outstanding in this match.
Smith made 30 feeds into the circle, seven gains and five deflections as she was awarded the Experience Kissimmee Player of the Match award.
Another young Rose on fine form in this team is Sophie Kelly, who scored eight Amex Super Shots taking her up to 48 for the season so far.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
LexisNexis Dragons vs Loughborough Lightning
Finally, Loughborough Lightning booked the first spot in the Soft & Gentle Play-Offs, with their 62 – 82 victory over LexisNexis Dragons guaranteeing them a spot in the top four this season, with five games still to go.
Lightning moved with speed and purpose throughout the court with England’s Hannah Joseph too fast to handle as she put 47 feeds into the shooting circle, acting as the key link between the centre and attacking third.
Joseph now sits second in the league’s charts for feeds with 276 to her name so far this season.
Another key player for Lightning, often on the end of Joseph’s perfectly placed feeds, was Trinidad & Tobago’s Samantha Wallace-Joseph who scored 13 Amex Super Shots.
Wallace-Joseph is now top of the goals scored charts, with 389 goals to her name this season, including 306 one-point shots and 83 Amex Super Shots.
Speaking of being top of the charts, Lightning still remain top of the most important table themselves, the league table, with 27 points.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass*, here.
Head to NetballPass now to catch up on all the action, ahead of Round 9 which starts on Friday 24th April.
To view all the fixtures, results, where to watch information and more visit our Netball Super League page, here.
*Restrictions are in place – *Viewers in the England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, France and Poland will not be able to watch via NetballPass. Those in the UK will be able to watch all games across Sky Sports and BBC Sport, with more information here.