THE penultimate round of the Netball Super League season answered the last set of questions about the season and how it will end.

Pulse weather Lightning storm in all-London clash

London Pulse picked up a crucial win over Loughborough Lightning ahead of finals, and also stopped the Lightning being able to take the minor premiership. The Lightning were actually the ones to take a lead early, but the Pulse took control in the second and third term withstood a mini Lightning fightback in the last term to take the win.

Brie Grierson had a strong game for the Pulse out at wing attack, as did Funmi Fadoju in defence despite a high penalty count. Meanwhile for the Lightning, Mary Cholhok was on fire under the ring, while Hannah Joseph was prolific through mid court.

Stars shine in final home game

Severn Stars celebrated their final home game in a big way, comprehensively beating Team Bath. Bath actually led at quarter time, but a 23 goals to 14 second term from the Stars turned the match in their favour, and they just kept building from there.

Suzie Liverseidge and Jessica Shaw were among the best for the Stars, while Jayda Pechova had another strong game for Bath.

Manchester Thunders past Sirens

Manchester Thunder locked in the minor premiership with a big win over Strathclyde Sirens.

The teams were level at quarter time, but the Thunder really got into the game as the match progressed and their lead continued to build subsequently.

Rhinos continue great end of season form

Leeds Rhinos bounced back from last week’s heartbreak in a big way, downing Cardiff Dragons by eight goals. Cardiff took an early lead, but the Rhinos then scored double the number of goals that their opponents did in the second term to take back control. Momentum then swung several times before the Rhinos took it late to seal the win.

Celyn Emanuel was industrious in mid court for the Rhinos, while Zoe Davies had a big game in defence. On the flipside, Nia Jones had a true captain’s game for the Dragons, and was well supported by Elle McDonald.

Mavericks outmuscle Storm

Saracens Mavericks are up to sixth on the ladder after a 17-goal win over Surrey Storm. It was a tight opening quarter, but the Mavericks really took control in the second term and despite a Storm fightback in the third term, the Mavericks really put their foot down in the last quarter to run away with the win.

Kira Rothwell really worked hard outside the ring for the Mavericks and also brought the accuracy in the ring, while Ellie Rattu also had a big game in midcourt. Meanwhile for the Storm, Hanisha Muhameed impressed in defence despite the high penalty count, as did Rachel Fee.

NSL Round 17 Results

Loughborough Lightning (59) lost to London Pulse (61)

Severn Stars (72) defeated Team Bath (57)

Strathclyde Sirens (53) lost to Manchester Thunder (72)

Cardiff Dragons (43) lost to Leeds Rhinos (51)

Saracens Mavericks (71) defeated Surrey Storm (54)