Round five of the 2026 Netball Super League saw league leaders, Loughborough Lightning, maintain their perfect start, recording the highest score so far this season, while Manchester Thunder continued to apply pressure near the top of the table. High-scoring performances and decisive second-half surges defined the weekend, as London Pulse and London Mavericks both secured important away victories.
Leeds Rhinos 52-61 London Pulse
London Pulse secured a composed away victory over Leeds Rhinos to claim their second consecutive win and remain firmly in the top-three race. While overall shooting accuracy remained close (Rhinos 89% to Pulse 88%), Pulse made the decisive impact during the Super Shot period, converting 10 super shots compared to Rhinos’ 5, creating scoreboard pressure at key moments. England Roses shooter Olivia Tchine scored 32 goals alongside 9 Amex Super Shots at an impressive 89% accuracy. The sides were evenly matched throughout, but it was Pulse’s attacking volume with 67 feeds and 6 rebounds that allowed them to capitalise on second-phase opportunities.
LexisNexis Dragons 54-58 London Mavericks
London Mavericks edged a competitive contest against LexisNexis Dragons in one of the closest matches of the round, producing a decisive final-quarter surge to claim the win. Dragons began strongly, leading 15–13 after the opening quarter, with defenders Jacqui Newton and Leah Middleton combining for multiple gains and disrupting Mavericks’ attacking rhythm early on. Dragons were accurate in the goal circle, shooting at 91%, compared to Mavericks’ 86%, but Mavericks’ attacking intent proved decisive. They delivered 77 feeds into the circle, maintaining sustained pressure throughout the match, with centre Suzie Liverseidge dictating play during the closing stages, continuing her strong season form and pushing her feed tally among the league’s highest totals. Mavericks’ control in transition ultimately turned the game in their favour as they completed the comeback victory.
Manchester Thunder 78-53 Nottingham Forest Netball
Manchester Thunder produced one of the most dominant performances of Round Five, producing a clinical display against Nottingham Forest at both ends of the court. Thunder’s defensive unit set the tone early, recording 22 deflections and 13 gains, consistently disrupting Forest’s attacking rhythm. Thunder’s Nicola Smith applied relentless pressure, recording 4 gains and 11 deflections. In attack, Thunder combined efficiency with volume, producing 69 feeds and converting at 93% shooting accuracy, while 9 successful Amex Super shots accelerated the scoreboard with Australian goal attack Sophie Fawns orchestrating Thunder’s attacking flow, combining accurate finishing with creative playmaking to consistently supply opportunities for England Rose Eleanor Cardwell. Although Forest shot slightly more accurately (94%), they struggled to generate enough attacking opportunities to challenge Thunder’s control.
Loughborough Lightning 83-69 Birmingham Panthers
Loughborough Lightning continued their unbeaten start with another commanding display against Birmingham Panthers, recording the highest team score of the season so far. Lightning dominated statistically, delivering 84 feeds compared to Panthers’ 51 while shooting at 94% accuracy. Their confidence during the Super Shot period was evident, converting 15 super shots to extend their advantage. Samantha Wallace-Joseph proved unstoppable, shooting at 92% accuracy while adding 11 Super Shots to maintain her position among the league’s leading scorers. Defensively, Lightning added 13 gains and 17 deflections, limiting Panthers’ attacking flow despite moments of promise from the visitors, with the return of England Rose Beth Durant (née Cobden) strengthening the defensive unit. The victory ensured Lightning stayed top of the table as the competition’s only unbeaten team.
What’s Next
Round Six Fixtures
Saturday 4 April:
- Nottingham Forest Netball vs LexisNexis Dragons (15:00 GMT)
- London Pulse vs Birmingham Panthers (17:00 GMT)
- Loughborough Lightning vs Manchester Thunder (17:15 GMT)
- London Mavericks vs Leeds Rhinos (19:00 GMT)
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