The Netball Super League (NSL) Round 9 took place this weekend live on NetballPass*, BBC and Sky Sports, as Cardiff Dragons ended their unbeaten start to the season and London Pulse returned to winning ways.
Here is this week’s international player spotlight:
Birmingham Panthers – Cardiff Dragons
It was a weekend for Cardiff Dragons to celebrate as they secured their first victory of the season against Birmingham Panthers, 61-57.
It wasn’t an easy journey for Dragons, who were two goals down at half time and one goal down going into the final break.
Nevertheless, Dragons kept hope and were able to take the lead when it mattered most thanks to their Welsh Feather shooters, Phillipa Yarranton and Georgia Rowe, who remained calm under pressure and secured the win for Dragons.
You can catch up on this game on NetballPass, here.*
Loughborough Lightning – Leeds Rhinos
Defending champions Loughborough Lightning temporarily climbed into the league’s top position this weekend, with their 5th successive victory – this time against Leeds Rhinos.
It wasn’t until the main break that Lightning really began to make their mark, with the third quarter performance crucial to them pulling away.
England Rose Berri Neil was just one key piece to the puzzle at goal attack, as she scored 12 goals and three Super Shots, helping her side to a 71-59 win.
You can catch up on this match here.*
London Mavericks – London Pulse
Lightnings time at the top was short lived as London Pulse soon returned two winning ways, beating London Mavericks 53 – 63.
This game had a fast and furious start, as you would expect in a London derby.
However, it was then Pulse who settled first giving themselves a six goal cushion going into the first break.
Keeping with the theme of on form shooters, Olivia Tchine was on fine form for Pulse, ensuring they continued to extend their lead and take the win.
Tchine scored 22 goals, putting herself up to 3rd in the league’s goals scored charts.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass, here.*
Nottingham Forest 58 – 71 Manchester Thunder
Manchester Thunder also bounced back in Round 9, beating Nottingham Forest 58-71 win.
Thunder lead marginally throughout, but it wasn’t until the final 15 that they really managed to build the gap between them and Forest, thanks to South Africa SPAR Protea Elmeré van der Berg whose Super Shot accuracy ensured there was no way back for the hosts.
You can catch up on this match on NetballPass, here.
Head to NetballPass now to catch up on all the action, ahead of Round 10 which starts on Friday 16th May.
To view all the fixtures, results, where to watch information and more visit our NSL page, here.
*Restrictions are in place – viewers in the UK, France and Poland will not be able to watch the stream on NetballPass. Those in the UK will be able to watch all games across Sky Sports and BBC Sport, with more information here.
Photo credit: Ben Lumley