Pulse's Historic Victory

London Pulse made history by winning the first-ever Netball Super Cup, defeating Leeds Rhinos 20-15 in a gripping final at Sheffield's Utilita Arena. Olivia Tchine was the star performer, scoring 16 points, including a crucial three-point streak that shifted momentum in Pulse's favor.

Standout Performances

Pulse's captain, Zara Everitt, expressed immense pride in her team's performance, stating, "We are so excited about this win. It's a taste of what we hope to achieve in the Netball Super League (NSL)." The team showcased exceptional resilience, especially in their semi-final victory over Manchester Thunder, where Funmi Fadoju's late defensive prowess secured a narrow 17-16 win.

New Rules and Exciting Format

The inaugural tournament introduced a fast-paced format, with matches lasting only 14 minutes instead of the traditional 60. This innovative approach kept fans on the edge of their seats, as teams battled fiercely for supremacy. The new 'super shot' rule also added drama, allowing players to score double points from a specialized area during the final minutes of each quarter.

Leeds Rhinos' Valiant Effort

Leeds Rhinos put up a spirited fight, particularly through Joyce Mvula and Bethany Brittain, who kept the score competitive. However, Pulse's consistent performance, led by Tchine, proved too much to overcome. Sophie Egbaran's efforts in the second half nearly sparked a comeback, but Pulse held firm to secure the title.

Looking Ahead**

Both teams now set their sights on the NSL season, with Pulse opening their campaign on March 16 against Nottingham Forest, while Leeds Rhinos face Birmingham Panthers on March 14. The Super Cup has set the stage for an exciting NSL season, with new rules and teams adding fresh intrigue to the sport.

New Teams Make Their Mark**

Nottingham Forest and Birmingham Panthers, two new franchises in the NSL, made their competitive debut in the Super Cup. Forest impressed by reaching the semi-finals, signaling their potential to challenge established teams in the league.

Broader Impact on UK Netball

The successful launch of the Netball Super Cup marks a significant step toward the professionalization of UK netball. With new rules, teams, and broadcast deals, the sport is poised for growth, attracting both fans and sponsors.

Full Results

Group Stage:

• Birmingham Panthers 13-15 London Mavericks
• Nottingham Forest 13-22 Manchester Thunder
• Leeds Rhinos 12-17 Cardiff Dragons
• Loughborough Lightning 16-16 London Pulse
• Manchester Thunder 20-14 Birmingham Panthers
• London Mavericks 15-29 Nottingham Forest
• London Pulse 13-16 Leeds Rhinos
• Cardiff Dragons 15-18 Loughborough Lightning
• Birmingham Panthers 16-18 Nottingham Forest
• Manchester Thunder 17-12 London Mavericks
• Leeds Rhinos 12-11 Loughborough Lightning
• Cardiff Dragons 7-15 London Pulse

Semi-Finals:

• Manchester Thunder 16-17 London Pulse
• Nottingham Forest 13-15 Leeds Rhinos

Final:

• London Pulse 20-15 Leeds Rhinos