AO Manchester Thunder have secured their place in the 2026 Netball Super League Soft & Gentle Grand Final after a 60-56 victory over reigning champions London Pulse in the Major Semi-Final.
After their defeat, London Pulse will face Loughborough Lightning in the Soft & Gentle Preliminary Final, following the three-time champions’ comfortable 77-57 win over Nottingham Forest in the Minor Semi-Final.
Both sides shared the spoils throughout the regular season, with Pulse claiming a 56-51 victory in Round 1 before Thunder responded in Round 11 with a convincing 64-52 win, and the two sides entered the playoffs with one victory apiece.
With a place in the Grand Final on the line, the stage was set for another closely contested encounter. AO Thunder were aiming to continue their pursuit of a fifth Grand Final win after their 2026 league win, and the chance to play a Grand Final in a home arena. While Pulse looked to take another step towards back-to-back Final wins.
Teams:
AO Manchester Thunder: Josie Huckle (GK), Elia McCormick (GD), Taylor McKevitt (WD), Amy Carter (C), Natalie Metcalf (WA), Lois Pearson (GA), Eleanor Cardwell (GS)
Substitutes: Sophie Fawns, Emma Rayner, Cerys Finn
London Pulse: Halimat Adio (GK), Funmi Fadoju (GD), Zara Everitt (WD), Gracie Smith (C), Kamogelo Maseko (WA), Sophie Kelly (GA), Liv Tchine (GS)
Substitutes: Darcie Everitt, Tyler Orr, Alicia Scholes
Match Recap:
League winners, AO Thunder, raced into a seven-goal lead after the first quarter, as their defensive pressure resulted in London Pulse only scoring eight goals. While the scoreline reflected a closely contested semi-final, AO Manchester Thunder held several key statistical advantages over London Pulse.
In attack, Thunder recorded 36 goals to Pulse’s 34, despite having a lower shooting success rate (87% compared to 94%). The difference ultimately came from Thunder’s ability to create more scoring opportunities, registering 61 feeds compared to Pulse’s 57, and securing 43 centre-pass receives to Pulse’s 39. Thunder’s shooters were also more effective from long range, converting 12 Super Shots, one more than Pulse’s 11, while missing only five attempts compared to Pulse’s 10. Eleanor Cardwell delivered for Karen Greig’s side, slotting in 23 goals and 9 Amex Super Shots, being named Experience Kissimmee Player of the Match as she led from the front with consistently accurate efforts on goal.
Defensively, both teams produced impressive turnover numbers, with Pulse recording 15 deflections and 12 gains, while Thunder registered 11 deflections and 10 gains. The hosts collected eight rebounds, double Pulse’s four, and capitalised on second-chance opportunities despite missing more shots overall (seven to Pulse’s three). Pulse edged Thunder in interceptions (6-5) and pickups (5-4), throughout the game as the reigning champions slowly cut the deficit and were regularly within four in the final 15 minutes but the hosts were able to stay in front from start to finish.
Thunder’s ability to generate extra possessions, dominate the rebounding battle and limit penalties proved decisive as they secured their place in the 2026 Netball Super League Grand Final.
What’s Next:
Saturday 13th June
- PRELIMINARY FINAL: Loughborough Lightning vs London Pulse
Saturday 20th June
- GRAND FINAL: AO Manchester Thunder vs [winner of the Preliminary Final]
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