The game began with the first centre pass for Lightning and a conversion for Cholhok. However, after a Pulse turnover Lightning began to trail behind. Some tight marking from Cobden and Panagarry forced Pulse to pass backwards at their centre pass. Then, a deflection from Cobden sends the ball into the path of Smith for another Lightning conversion.
Cobden made an interception, but a similar one came from Pulse at the other end of the court. Several minutes of play went without a conversion as the defence of both teams kept winning the ball. A forced error at a pulse centre pass puts Lightning back in possession for a conversion by Cholhok after a quick one-two. The quarter came to a close with both teams on 11 points.
Quarter two saw a forced error from Pulse before they made up for it with an interception in the attacking circle. Smith made an important intercept which allowed Dixon to convert. Another stunning intercept came from Harvey as Lightning increased their lead to three points.
A quick turnaround for Pulse who were determined not to let Lightning get far brought them back within a point with some superb shooting from Liv Tchine. Some contact forced Joseph to the floor, however with a quick recovery, Dixon went on to convert. A warning was given to Pulse’s Tchine. Panagarry made some great drives across the court, playing a key role in Lightning’s conversions. After a tense first half, Lightning lead by four points.
Half-time: Loughborough Lightning 25 – 21 London Pulse
The third quarter saw a quick conversion by Cholhok. Harvey kept Lightning in possession in the defending third with a swift interception. It wasn’t long before Harvey shone on court again, another interception from her keeping Lightning ahead. Quick hands from Panagarry on the edge of the defending circle stop Pulse in their tracks.
Lightning kept the intensity high throughout the quarter, expertly applying pressure to Pulse and forcing their opponents to work even harder to get into the circle. Lightning pulled ahead of London Pulse with a strong performance across the court. Lightning appeared cohesive whilst Pulse struggled to find the combination of players to battle them. Lightning led by 11 points going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw both teams go goal-for-goal for the first few minutes. Lightning then broke free once again with several back-to-back conversions which saw Cholhok shooting at 95%. A held ball in Lightning’s attacking third saw a turnover in favour of London Pulse. The crowd in Sir David Wallace Arena showed incredible support for the home team with shouts and cheers swallowing the Pulse fans. Funmi Fadoju left the court after an injury.
Ella Clark joined Lightning on court, replacing Dixon as goal attack. More changes then came from Head Coach Burgess with Baylis on as C for Panagarry and Roddy as WD for Cobden. The combination of Cholhok and Clark saw Lightning soar even further ahead. After an incredible performance for Lightning and an all-round tense game, the home team secure their place in the 2024 Grand Final.
Full-time: Loughborough Lightning 59 – 47 London Pulse
Vic Burgess comments on the team’s win as she looks ahead to the final next week...
“Our work rate is something that we’ve really focussed on, and the girls definitely showed up today.
“We’re taking this moment for now and we will focus on the final tomorrow. We’ll do what we always do and hope for a good result.
“The fans this season have been amazing, and the players have worked incredibly hard, I’m really proud of them.”
Beth Cobden was named Kissimmee player of the match for her consistent performance on court, making two interceptions and three deflections.
Long Tall Sally player of the match was awarded to Alice Harvey whose defensive prowess shone on court today. She played an integral role in Lightning’s win.
Lightning will face Manchester Thunder in the NSL Grand Final at Birmingham Resorts World Arena on Saturday 29 June. Make sure you show your support for Loughborough Lightning, tickets are still available for purchase here.
Starting line-up:
GS: Mary Cholhok
GA: Rhea Dixon
WA: Hannah Joseph
C: Nat Panagarry
WD: Beth Cobden
GD: Nicola Smith
GK: Alice Harvey