Netball Super League: Manchester Thunder reach grand final as Loughborough Lightning keep hopes alive

AO Manchester Thunder became the first team to book a place in the Netball Super League Grand Final after defeating London Pulse on Saturday.

The four-time champions held on for a 60-56 victory in the big semi-final to ensure they return to the NSL showpiece after being eliminated last year.

Reigning champions London have another chance to reach the title decider in Manchester, although they will now face Loughborough Lightning in the preliminary final.

Loughborough beat Nottingham Forest 77-57 in the minor semi-final earlier on Saturday, so they and London will battle it out next week for the right to take on Manchester at Co-op Live on June 20.

The Thunder claimed a last-laugh victory over Loughborough Last week’s regular-season finale to snatch the top spot and condemn the Lightning to a third-place finish.

It also secured home advantage for this week’s clash with runners-up London, and the Thunder led 15-8 at the end of the first quarter at the Manchester Velodrome.

The Pulse trailed 30-24 at halftime and then 43-39 at the end of the third quarter, but the Thunder opened up a nine-point buffer midway through the final quarter and held their nerve in the closing stages.

Eleanor Cardwell, who played in each of the Thunder’s previous Grand Final victories, rejoined the team this season as she continued her work. Recovering from a serious knee injury.

The England shooter, 31, has struggled to get back to his best but was named man of the match after leading from the front with 23 goals.

“She was really dominant offensively so I’m really proud of her,” Thunder coach Karen Gregg said.

“What a game. Pulse really brought it to us. There was an ebb and flow, a few shaky moments, but in the end the girls kept their heads.”