Round 11 of the Netball Super League delivered another pivotal weekend in the race for the Soft & Gentle Play-Offs, with AO Manchester Thunder taking second in the league after a statement victory over London Pulse. Loughborough Lightning responded emphatically with a 16-point win over Birmingham Panthers, while Nottingham Forest strengthened their play-off push against London Mavericks, in a defining fixture in both clubs’ seasons.
Round 11 Results:
Birmingham Panthers 60-76 Loughborough Lightning
Loughborough Lightning responded to their first defeat of the season with a dominant 76-60 away victory over Birmingham Panthers. Despite Panthers racing into a 33-31 lead at half-time, the league leaders bounced back in the second half to pile on 45 points. Lightning produced a clinical attacking performance as Ella Clarke- 14 one-point goals and 3 Amex Super Shots- and Samantha Wallace-Joseph (33 one-point goals) remained dominant. Birmingham Panthers showed moments of resilience, particularly through defensive pressure, with Charli Fidler impressing as she made 6 gains and 5 rebounds. The victory keeps Lightning firmly in the top spot, while Panthers remain rooted to the bottom of the standings.
Nottingham Forest 57-49 London Mavericks
Nottingham Forest strengthened their grip on fourth place with a composed 57-49 victory over London Mavericks at the Motorpoint Arena with a disciplined defensive display. The home side’s defensive pressure proved decisive, particularly around the circle edge, while their shooting combination- who shot at 71%- maintained composure during key passages of play. In defence, Tash Pavelin and Jayda Pechová were vital in the victory as Pavelin made 3 deflections and 4 gains (out of the 19 throughout the court) and Pechová made 8 deflections (out of the sides’ 19). Nottingham Forest are now just one win away from securing their spot in the Soft & Gentle Play-Offs after London Mavericks dropped below LexisNexis Dragons.
LexisNexis Dragons 68-62 NIC Leeds Rhinos
LexisNexis Dragons secured back-to-back victories with a 68-62 win over NIC Leeds Rhinos at the M&S Bank Arena, boosting their hopes of finishing the season strongly. Dragons once again looked composed in attack, shooting 83% accuracy, with Georgia Rowe continuing her excellent form inside the circle, tallying 45 goals. The hosts’ defensive unit delivered at key moments to halt Rhinos’ momentum, with 13 gains and 3 intercepts. Leah Middleton, who gained the Player of the Match accolade, made 6 gains to prevent accurate Amex Super Shots from Rhinos’ Harriet Jones, who nailed 11 long-range goals. This win gives LexisNexis Dragons a two-point gap to London Mavericks in fifth.
AO Manchester Thunder 64-52 London Pulse
AO Manchester Thunder delivered one of the performances of the round with a commanding 64-52 victory over London Pulse to move second in the Netball Super League standings. Thunder set the tone early with relentless defensive pressure and fluid attacking movement, limiting Pulse’s opportunities to build momentum. The hosts took a 13-goal lead into halftime and were able to withstand Pulse’s comeback in the second half. Pulse struggled to replicate the attacking intensity that had seen them defeat Lightning the previous weekend, with Thunder disrupting their rhythm on court and dominating key moments physically. South Africa SPAR Protea Nicola Smith was crucial to Thunder’s victory with 9 gains (out of 18 for the side) and 7 interceptions, before being awarded the Experience Kissimmee Player of the Match award. Alongside Smith, Josie Huckle picked up 5 deflections, out of Thunder’s 15.
Standings:
With three rounds remaining, Loughborough Lightning remain top of the table, holding a three-point advantage over AO Manchester Thunder in second, while London Pulse sit close behind as the title race tightens heading into the final rounds of the regular season. With one place left in the final four, Nottingham Forest strengthened their hold on fourth, opening a gap over LexisNexis Dragons, who remain in touch after consecutive victories, and London Mavericks. At the other end of the table, NIC Leeds Rhinos and Birmingham Panthers continue to search for momentum.
What’s Next:
Round 12 Fixtures:
Friday 15th May
- NIC Leeds Rhinos vs AO Manchester Thunder (19:00 Canon Medical Arena)
- Loughborough Lightning vs Nottingham Forest (19:00 Sir David Wallace Arena)
Saturday 16th May
- Birmingham Panthers vs LexisNexis Dragons (18:00 Skydome)
Sunday 17th May
- London Mavericks vs London Pulse (16:00 OVO Arena)
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