Netball Super Cup: London Pulse beat Leeds Rhinos in final to set the stage for new Super League season
London Pulse overcomes Leeds Rhinos to be crowned first ever Netball Super Cup champions; watch new Super League season live on Sky Sports, beginning on Friday March 14 when Leeds face Birmingham and Cardiff take on London Mavericks from 7pm.
Saturday 8 March 2025 20:47, UK
London Pulse beat Leeds Rhinos 20-15 to win the inaugural Netball Super Cup at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday, raising the curtain on the new and revamped Super League campaign.
Olivia Tchine starred as Pulse opened up an eight-point gap late in the first half before Joyce Mvula threatened a fightback when she cut the lead to six.
But the London side were not to be denied as Funmi Fadoju came up with a clutch interception in the closing exchanges to help Sam Bird's side see out the victory.
Zare Everitt was named Player of the Match after the game and suggested Pulse's triumph could prove a sign of things to come this season.
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"I'm so proud of the girls, so excited," she told Sky Sports. "In previous years we've just missed out, we know this isn't the league trophy but it's given us a taste of hopefully what's to come and we're so excited to see what we can do this season.
"It's tough to come back from a defeat, but I think we knew this tournament was going to be full of ups and downs.
"It's the first time we've all played the Super Shot together so we knew we had to put it behind us, take the learnings from the loss and we definitely did that and everybody stepped up.
"More of that to come."
Pulse advanced to the final four despite their only win in the group stage coming in a 15-7 victory over Cardiff Dragons, Bird's side drawing 16-16 with Loughborough Lightning and losing 16-13 to Leeds.
It was in the semi-finals where they toppled a dominant Manchester Thunder team 17-16 having seen their opponents win each of their previous games by at least five goals.
Nottingham Forest meanwhile officially announced themselves as a Netball Super League franchise, losing their first ever game 22-13 to Thunder before beating London Mavericks 29-15 followed by an 18-16 win over the also newly-introduced Birmingham Panthers.
Forest were eventually stopped in their tracks by Rhinos as they lost 15-13 in the semi-finals, Leeds' route to a runners-up finish also seeing them beat Loughborough 12-11 in their final group stage game.
In the end it was Pulse who lifted the trophy in what they hope will pave the way for a season of contention at the top of the Super League table.
"I'm so happy for the club," said head coach Bird. "We had a bit of a rocky start and just got better and better through the day, the players really took on the feedback and showed what we're made of.
"We've got three new players and I think we're learning lots about those guys as well. Lots to work on but a good start.
"I think just the mix of determination and enjoyment (pleased her most), not putting too much pressure on ourselves but come here, enjoy it and come out with a win."
The new Super League season kicks off on Friday March 14 when Leeds face Birmingham and Cardiff take on London Mavericks from 7pm.
Watch the revamped Netball Super League campaign live on Sky Sports, beginning on Friday March 14. Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.
