Round three of the Netball Super League offered a clearer indication of the league’s early frontrunners, with consistent performances from London Mavericks, Loughborough Lightning, Manchester Thunder and Nottingham Forest, contrasted with teams still searching for rhythm. Across the weekend, clinical shooting, defensive pressure, and improved attacking connections proved decisive factors, with results beginning to highlight tactical identities and areas for development. As the 2026 season gathers momentum, this round provided important insight into which sides are building sustainable form and which are still adapting to the demands of the new campaign.
LexisNexis Dragons 55–69 Manchester Thunder
Manchester Thunder maintained their strong start to the season with a composed 14-goal victory over Cardiff Dragons, with both sides showing efficient attacking conversion as they ended the round’s opener with 90% and 92% shooting accuracy.
Thunder established control early by disrupting Dragons’ attacking flow, forcing errors- with the home side making 10 unforced errors due to Thunder’s tight defensive pressure- before converting gains efficiently down court. Their consistency across all four quarters ensured Dragons were unable to mount a sustained comeback despite competitive passages through the midcourt.
Birmingham Panthers 49–76 London Mavericks
London Mavericks produced the most dominant win of Round Three, defeating Birmingham Panthers by 27 goals in a clinical all-court performance.
Mavericks’ attacking unit operated with precision (93% shooting), moving the ball confidently through the midcourt to create high-percentage shooting opportunities. Panthers struggled to slow the tempo, particularly during momentum swings where Mavericks converted turnovers quickly, as the visitors produced 21 gains across court. The Super Shot period again proved influential, with Mavericks extending their lead through composed long-range execution and disciplined shot selection, with 11 Amex Super Shots being converted.
Loughborough Lightning 68–61 London Pulse
In the headline match of the round, Loughborough Lightning secured revenge over reigning champions London Pulse, overturning last season’s Grand Final result with a composed and disciplined performance.
Lightning delivered one of their most complete displays of the season, combining defensive pressure with near-flawless shooting execution from both sides, with 94% and 92% accuracy. Lightning’s fast start forced Pulse into chasing the game, while defensive disruption limited the champions’ attacking fluency during crucial moments. Despite Pulse closing the gap at stages, Lightning’s composure under pressure ensured they protected their advantage in the final quarter.
Nottingham Forest 61–51 NIC Leeds Rhinos
Nottingham Forest continued their impressive early-season form with a controlled 10-goal victory over Leeds Rhinos.
Forest’s defensive unit dictated the contest, applying sustained pressure that forced 18 unforced errors and gave them 23 gains and slowed Rhinos’ attacking transitions. Their ability to convert defensive gains into goals allowed them to gradually extend their lead across the match. Consistency across all four quarters proved key, with Forest maintaining composure whenever Rhinos threatened to close the gap.
What’s Next
Round Four Fixtures
- NIC Leeds Rhinos vs Cardiff Dragons
Friday 20 March, 19:00 - Birmingham Panthers vs Manchester Thunder
Sunday 22 March, 14:00 - London Mavericks vs Loughborough Lightning
Sunday 22 March, 16:00 - London Pulse vs Nottingham Forest
Sunday 22 March, 18:00
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