In a thrilling showdown at The O2 Arena, London Pulse made history by clinching their first-ever Netball Super League title, defeating two-time defending champions Loughborough Lightning 53-45. The victory not only marked a milestone for Pulse but also halted Lightning’s bid for an unprecedented three-peat in front of a record-breaking crowd.
The match began with Loughborough Lightning securing the first centre pass, but London Pulse’s defence, led by standout player Funmi Fadoju, quickly took control. Halimat Adio’s early intercept allowed Liv Tchine to score the opening point, setting the tone for Pulse’s dominance. Despite initial nerves and handling errors from both teams, Pulse found their rhythm as the first quarter progressed, with Tchine sinking crucial super shots to build a 12-8 lead.
Loughborough Lightning fought back in the second quarter, capitalising on two-point opportunities to narrow the gap. A buzzer-beating super shot from Wallace-Joseph brought the score to 26-24 at halftime, keeping the match within reach. However, Pulse’s defence, anchored by Fadoju, proved impenetrable, frustrating Lightning’s experienced centre court players.
The third quarter saw Pulse extend their lead to 39-33, thanks to precise long shots from 16-year-old Gracie Smith to Tchine. Despite a brief injury scare for Tchine, Pulse maintained their composure, with the shooter converting two more super shots to push the lead to 41-33. Lightning surged in the final quarter, reducing the deficit to 44-38, but Pulse’s tactical timeout proved decisive as they returned to the court with renewed focus.
As the clock wound down, the O2 Arena erupted with every Pulse possession. Tchine sealed the victory with a final super shot, sparking jubilant celebrations among the packed crowd. The win capped off a remarkable season for London Pulse, who also claimed the Super Cup and regular season title.
“This is a dream come true for us,” said a beaming Pulse coach. “The team showed incredible resilience and determination tonight, and we’re thrilled to bring the title home.”
With this historic victory, London Pulse have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Netball Super League, while Loughborough Lightning’s quest for a third consecutive championship remains unfulfilled.
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