Photo Credit: Ben Lumley
The Netball Super League (NSL) Elimination Final took place this weekend, with London Pulse booking the last spot in the Soft & Gentle Grand Final.
In what was a repeat of last year’s Grand Final the reigning Champions Pulse beat Loughborough Lightning 60 – 56, ensuring they will play in their second consecutive Grand Final, whilst simultaneously ending Lightning’s three-year streak.
It was clear from the first whistle this was going to be a close and fiery encounter as both teams put everything on the line and finished the opening quarter 16 – 16.
Young England Rose Gracie Smith then had a stand-out second quarter for Pulse at centre, putting 10 feeds into the circle in 15 minutes and helping her side edge ahead by one.
Whilst it was Pulse that controlled most of the game, Lightning always seemed to find a way back with the Amex Super Shot.
Following the first 45 minutes nothing could separate the two teams, with Pulse leading by just two goals at the final break.
Pulse did not miss a beat in the last quarter as they pulled ahead by five goals in five minutes, with England Rose’s Sophie Kelly unstoppable at goal attack scoring 22 goals and contributing two interceptions.
Pulse will now travel to Manchester to face AO Manchester Thunder at the Co-op Live Arena in the Soft & Gentle Grand Final on Saturday 20th June.
International fans can catch up on the season so far and watch the Grand Final live and on demand on NetballPass*, 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.