AO Manchester Thunder secured a 54-51 win over London Pulse in the Soft & Gentle Grand Final, their first title since their undefeated 2022 season, with a dominant third quarter proving the difference in a thrilling contest between the league’s top two sides.
Having already defeated Pulse in the Major Semi-Final, Karen Greig’s side completed the job on the biggest stage in front of a packed home crowd of more than 8,000, Thunder came back from a two-goal deficit to claim the title.
The victory capped a dominant 2026 season and sealed the side’s fifth Netball Super League title, drawing them level with Team Bath’s total.
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), Alicia Scholes (WA), Sophie Kelly (GA), Liv Tchine (GS)
Substitutes: Darcie Everitt, Tyler Orr, Kamogelo Maseko
Match Recap:
The opening exchanges reflected the quality expected of a Grand Final, with both teams trading goals and defensive pressure, with the sides exchanging goals for the opening five minutes. Thunder’s shooters capitalised on the turnovers to build their advantage, but the reigning champions remained firmly in contention, with neither side able to establish complete control as Thunder edged ahead by two in the first break.
Pulse responded strongly during the second quarter, finding greater fluidity through the midcourt and applying pressure through their defensive end, with Funmi Fadoju and Gracie Smith making crucial turnovers. Despite Thunder levelling the score at 23-23 through the introduction of Sophie Fawns, who was the Experience Kissimmee Player of the Match, Pulse opted for the singles and took a 27-25 lead at halftime.
The third quarter proved pivotal as Thunder weathered a sustained Pulse challenge. Sophie Kelly and Liv Tchine helped the visitors reduce the deficit, but Thunder repeatedly found answers whenever the gap threatened to disappear. Their ability to convert centre passes and limit Pulse’s opportunities kept the Manchester side narrowly in front heading into the final period, with a 42-36 lead.
With the title on the line, the final quarter delivered a dramatic finish. Pulse mounted one last comeback, closing to within a single goal during the closing stages, but Thunder held their composure under immense pressure with Josie Huckle and Taylor McKevitt both taking intercepts. As the match entered the final Amex Super Shot period, Pulse searched desperately for a route back into the contest. Kelly converted two from range, while Eleanor Cardwell added another Super Shot for Thunder to maintain breathing space. Thunder held their nerve in the closing moments as Fawns slotted in a final single-point goal to secure a 54-51 victory and lift the 2026 Netball Super League trophy.
Embed from Getty ImagesThunder’s ability to convert from long range proved crucial with the Manchester side finishing with 11 successful Super Shots compared to Pulse’s 4, providing a valuable scoring boost in key moments of the contest. Despite Pulse shooting at an impressive 94% accuracy, Thunder’s willingness to back themselves from distance helped keep them in control throughout much of the match.
Defensively, Pulse created significant pressure, recording 22 deflections, 14 gains and 14 pickups, all higher than Thunder’s totals, reflecting their brilliant defence throughout the regular season. Their relentless defensive effort ensured the contest remained alive until the closing stages, while their shooters missed just 3 attempts across the match.
The victory marks a historic achievement for Thunder, who are now level with Team Bath on 5 Netball Super League titles. It also delivers a memorable championship on home soil, with Co-op Live hosting the Grand Final for the first time and providing the perfect backdrop for another chapter in the club’s storied history.
For London Pulse, the defeat ended their hopes of back-to-back championships, but their impressive season and determined Grand Final performance once again demonstrated why they remain one of the competition’s leading forces.
After falling short in recent seasons, Thunder delivered on the biggest stage, overcoming the reigning champions to claim the title in front of their home supporters and write another chapter in the club’s successful history.
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