The defending champions started brightly and were within two goals after the first quarter. Ella Clark led the scoring, while Beth Cobden marked her 100th NSL appearance with a typically tenacious performance in defence, which also earned Beth the Long Tall Sally Fan’s Player of the Match. However, Pulse capitalised on key moments, pulling ahead by 12 at half time.
A spirited third-quarter response saw Lightning increase their defensive intensity and find better attacking rhythm in front of a near capacity crowd at the Sir David Wallace Arena, but Pulse held firm, extending their lead in the final quarter to secure the win.
Head coach Vic Burgess remained optimistic: “It’s a good reality check and makes us want to be better. We’ll reflect, reset, and step up a notch.”
Despite the result, it was an evening of celebrations as Lightning also celebrated Jackie Milsom, the long-standing Team Manager who celebrated 300 games with the club and her 20th season.
Lightning will take the lessons forward as they prepare to bounce back in their next fixture away against Leeds Rhinos on Sunday 30th March.