logo
Champions Lightning beat Thunder to reach Grand Final

Champions Lightning beat Thunder to reach Grand Final

BBC News29-06-2025
Loughborough Lightning have the chance to go for an unprecedented three-peat after booking their spot to face London Pulse in the Netball Super League Grand Final.Defending champions Lightning were condemned to the preliminary final after they were beaten last week by Pulse, the regular season leaders.That meant a repeat of last year's Grand Final against Manchester Thunder and hosts Lightning came from behind to win 69-57 on Sunday.Thunder scored 10 unanswered goals en route to a 19-12 lead after the first quarter, but Lightning did not look back after a blistering second.After going 27-20 down, Jodie Gibson came on at goal defence to give Lightning a boost, while Samantha Wallace-Joseph did the damage at the other end. The Trinidad and Tobago shooter converted five two-point super shots during the second quarter to help Lightning into a 37-30 lead at half-time.Thunder called a tactical timeout at 44-33 down, while South Africa shooter Elmere van der Berg was brought off for the first time all season.But Lightning still led 52-40 heading into the final quarter and stayed clear to book a rematch with Pulse in next Sunday's Grand Final at London's O2 Arena.
How do Lightning and Pulse match up?
Lightning and Pulse were vying for top spot for much of the regular season, and their direct tussles were fascinating.In round two, Pulse scored a statement 77-51 victory in Loughborough over the reigning champions, but that result was avenged at the Copper Box in May, when Lightning were 58-53 winners.Table-topping Pulse took the honours 50-49 in a play-off semi-final nailbiter, and now the teams go at it again.The Grand Final line-up is the same as in 2023, when Lightning came from behind to win, and big-stage experience weighs heavily in Loughborough's favour.Pulse topped the regular-season table in 2023, too, but could not finish the job in the play-offs and are still seeking a first NSL title.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Liverpool agree deal to sign Parma defender Giovanni Leoni
Liverpool agree deal to sign Parma defender Giovanni Leoni

The Independent

time23 minutes ago

  • The Independent

Liverpool agree deal to sign Parma defender Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Parma defender Giovanni Leoni. It is understood the Reds will pay £26million plus add-ons for the 18-year-old. Leoni is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday as head coach Arne Slot has moved to strengthen his options at centre-back. He played most of pre-season with just two recognised specialists in the role – Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate – as Joe Gomez, who returned to training this week, was injured and Jarell Quansah was sold to Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool are still interested in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, who has a year left on his contract, but have so far been unable to agree a fee.

Wayne Rooney hits back at Tom Brady for 'not understanding football' after NFL icon questioned his work ethic on the 'one day' he watched Birmingham City train
Wayne Rooney hits back at Tom Brady for 'not understanding football' after NFL icon questioned his work ethic on the 'one day' he watched Birmingham City train

Daily Mail​

time23 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Wayne Rooney hits back at Tom Brady for 'not understanding football' after NFL icon questioned his work ethic on the 'one day' he watched Birmingham City train

Wayne Rooney has fired back at Birmingham City minority owner and former NFL star Tom Brady after the American previously questioned his 'work ethic'. Rooney, 39, managed just 15 matches for the Blues in what was a disastrous spell 83-day spell for the former Manchester United star at St. Andrew's two seasons ago. Under his tutelage, the Blues took a mere 10 points from a possible 45, losing nine games and winning just two before he was sacked in January 2024. In a documentary entitled Built In Birmingham: Brady And The Blues, which was released on August 1, the ex-New England Patriots quarterback told his business manager Ben Rawitz: ' I'm a little worried about our head coach's work ethic.' Now, Rooney has retorted with comments of his own, saying on his new podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show: 'I think Tom came in once, which was the day before a game where the days are a little bit lighter anyway. 'And I don't think he really understood football that well. But what he does understand is, he's a hard worker, we know that.' Rooney, 39, managed just 15 matches for the Blues in what was a disastrous spell 83-day spell for the former Manchester United star at St. Andrew's two seasons ago 'Football is not NFL – NFL works for three months a year. 'Players do need rest as well, so I think he's very unfair, the way he's come out and portrayed that.' Although he responded in fiery fashion to Brady's comments, Rooney made it clear that he does not hold a grudge over them. He added: 'Listen, I respect Tom Brady massively. 'He's one of the greatest, if not the greatest athletes of all time and Birmingham do look like they're getting it right now, which is good. 'And I think what they have done is got the players out that they needed to get out.' Rooney took over at Birmingham in October 2023 after John Eustace was dismissed despite leading the club to sixth place in the Championship at the time. However, he was adamant that the quality of the players at the club meant results were destined to decline under his stewardship He continued: 'When I went into Birmingham, they were in a mess really. 'Hence the fact that the players weren't really the players who could take the club forward.

Football transfer rumours: Manchester City to sign Xavi Simons?
Football transfer rumours: Manchester City to sign Xavi Simons?

The Guardian

time23 minutes ago

  • The Guardian

Football transfer rumours: Manchester City to sign Xavi Simons?

It's been an unusually busy summer at Manchester City: lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous. And Hugo Viana, City's new director of football, isn't done yet. According to selected rags, City may hijack Chelsea's move for the RB Leipzig and Netherlands forward Xavi Simons. City are also attempting to reunite last year's France Olympic squad by stealth. First they signed Rayan Cherki; now they're being linked with the Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion From the erstwhile champions to the reigning champions. Crystal Palace are keen to take Harvey Elliott's scheming feet off Liverpool's hands, which may also facilitate a move in the opposite direction for Marc Guéhi. Other reports suggest Guéhi will see out his contract at Palace and do one for free next summer. Brighton want nine figures for Carlos Baleba – £100m, doofus – which is a bit too rich even for Manchester United's taste. Everton want Southampton's Tyler Dibling to join Jack Grealish in a revamped, floppy-haired attack. Fulham may break their transfer record to sign the Brazilian winger Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk. And if that doesn't sound Brazilian enough for you, his full name is Kevin Santos Lopes de Macedo do Nascimento Luís Nazário de Lima Fred. Roma and Besiktas are desirous of Aston Villa's Leon Bailey, as are Nottingham Forest of Manchester City's Rico Lewis. Like we said: lotts ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store