Round 10 of the Netball Super League delivered drama across the league, headlined by London Pulse ending Loughborough Lightning’s unbeaten streak in a thrilling extra-time battle, with the reigning champions securing their top-four spot. Elsewhere, AO Manchester Thunder produced a dominant display against Birmingham Panthers, while London Mavericks and LexisNexis Dragons both took the edge in tight contests against Leeds Rhinos and Nottingham Forest.
Round 10 Results:
LexisNexis Dragons 65-64 Nottingham Forest
LexisNexis Dragons edged out Nottingham Forest in one of the round’s closest games, claiming their first home win since 2024. Phillipa Yarranton marked her final appearance in front of the Cardiff crowd with 6 goals, while Georgia Rowe celebrated her 150th Netball Super League appearance in style with a 35-goal display. The defensive end proved decisive for Dragons, with Jacqui Newton producing 3 rebounds and 6 gains (out of Dragons’ 14), while Leah Middleton added 7 deflections (out of the 22 in total for her side) and 6 rebounds across court. Nottingham Forest suffered their first defeat in three matches despite pushing Dragons all the way in a tense finish, as the Welsh side found momentum at a crucial stage of the season.
NIC Leeds Rhinos 60-63 London Mavericks
After three consecutive defeats against the league’s top sides, Mavericks responded with a composed 63-60 display to complete their season double over Rhinos ahead of a huge clash with Nottingham Forest in the next round. For the visitors, Ellie Sadler impressed after stepping up from NXT Gen, recording 4 gains (out of her side’s 10) and 4 pickups, working seamlessly with Izzi Phillips, who controlled the midcourt with 15 feeds and was rewarded with the Experience Kissimmee Player of the Match. Rhinos stayed within touching distance throughout, thanks largely to Harriet Jones’ impressive super shot accuracy, with the goal attack sinking 11 Amex Super Shots to keep the hosts in contention. However, Mavericks’ shooting circle, led by George Inger (27 goals) and Emily Andrew (22 goals), kept their composure, largely in the one-point time. Mavericks held firm in the closing stages to secure all three points, while Rhinos picked up a valuable bonus point.
London Pulse 75-71 Loughborough Lightning
London Pulse ended Loughborough Lightning’s undefeated record with a 75-71 extra-time victory at the Copper Box. For the hosts, Gracie Smith fiercely led the midcourt battle with 9 deflections (out of Pulse’s 28) and 43 feeds while Funmi Fadoju delivered 10 deflections in an absorbing battle with Lightning’s new-look offensive duo of Berri Neil and Ella Clark, with Sammy Wallace-Joseph unavailable. England Rose, Liv Tchine returned to top form with a standout shooting performance, with 14 Amex Super Shots and collecting 8 rebounds to earn Experience Kissimmee Player of the Match. Ella Clark forced extra time with a composed Amex Super Shot in the dying moments, but Pulse responded strongly in the additional period to seal both the win and a place in the top four. Clark’s accuracy inside the circle kept Lightning in the contest, finishing with 37 goals from 39 attempts in the one-point zone, as the league leaders secured a losing bonus point.
AO Manchester Thunder 69-45 Birmingham Panthers
AO Manchester Thunder moved a step closer to the Soft & Gentle Play-Offs with a convincing 69-45 win over Birmingham Panthers. England Rose, Nat Metcalf controlled Thunder’s attacking flow with 41 feeds to earn the Experience Kissimmee Player of the Match, linking brilliantly with her shooters. Elenaor Cardwell led from the front with 27 goals and 6 Amex Super Shots in a physical contest against Charli Fidler, who battled hard for Panthers with 6 gains and 6 deflections (out of 9 for the visitors). Josie Huckle starred defensively with 6 gains (out of 14) and 5 rebounds (out of 11), while Lois Pearson continued her top form with 11 goals as AO Thunder raced into an early lead, despite a brief fightback from Panthers.
What’s Next:
Round 11 Fixtures:
Friday 8th May
- Birmingham Panthers vs Loughborough Lightning (19:00 Skydome)
Saturday 9th May
- Nottingham Forest vs London Mavericks (15:00 Motorpoint Arena)
- LexisNexis Dragons vs NIC Leeds Rhinos (15:30 M&S Bank Arena)
- AO Manchester Thunder vs London Pulse (18:00 M&S Bank Arena)
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