Latest news with #ZaraEveritt
South Wales Argus
07-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
London Pulse toast historic maiden Netball Super League title
Pulse have steadily built from finishing bottom in their debut season, developing into play-off regulars under Sam Bird with a team built around a crop of exciting homegrown talent. A first Grand Final two years ago ended in tears, as perennial winners Loughborough Lightning fought back to take the title, but this time around it was Pulse's turn to get over the line and add their name to the list of champions. The capital side finished the regular season top of the table with just two defeats, though one of those came at the hands of Lightning who had put an end to Pulse's past three play-off campaigns – including the 2023 Grand Final at Pulse's own Copper Box Arena. This time a different part of the capital played host, the O2 Arena was the Super League's biggest stage to date, with 9,326 fans in attendance to watch Pulse excise any demons from two years ago and earn an historic maiden title. 'There was no doubt we weren't going to win today,' insisted Bird. 'In the changing room, it was about if we do everything right we will win. It was down to use to lose it, rather than not win it. The belief right the way through the game was that we were going to win.' Much of Pulse's success has been built around a defence that embodies the club's development and progress over the past few seasons. In Halimat Adio, Funmi Fadoju, and Zara Everitt, Pulse have three England internationals who have spent their formative years in pink and developed into one of the meanest units around. Fadoju is widely recognised as one of the most exciting young players around, but she has the perfect foil in Adio and Everitt, while youngster Darcie Everitt made a big impact when replacing the injured Adio towards the end. Alongside wing attack Alicia Scholes and goal shooter Olivia Tchine, they comprise a quintet that have been through it all with Pulse. 'A shoutout to their loyalty,' added Bird. 'We have invested in some players that have gone, that hurts me when that happens. I put so much into players that I recruit, and I want them to come on the journey with us, but that hasn't always happened. 'The majority of these players have stuck it out; they have got over the losses and stayed loyal to the club. They have improved and they really deserve this win for that loyalty. 'We have just recruited talent, brought talent up through the pathway and you saw the proof of that [today], over five years of hard work.' All five played in the 2023 Grand Final where they were beaten by an experienced Lightning side who went on to retain their title. Captain Zara Everitt insisted the ghosts of two years ago were no longer haunting her side, instead the experience they have gained in the two years since were put to good use at the O2. 'It's the experiences that we have had; we always say we take the learnings from the losses and that is so true,' she said. 'We had a final two years ago where we had a great start and then after half time they came back at us, so we knew today even though we felt we were in control we had to push on. There is so much experience and maturity. 'I think the fact we beat Loughborough in the semi really helped us put that to bed. 'We knew we had beaten them twice this season already. There is also a lot of new energy in the team, so any negativity some of us may have had from previous years has been wiped away by that fresh blood.' There has been no better embodiment of that fresh blood than 16-year-old centre Gracie Smith, who only finished her GCSEs a couple of weeks ago. Smith once again made a notable impact from the bench after coming on at half time, while Darcie Everitt matched up mightily against experienced shooter Samantha Wallace-Joseph. 'We are fearless, if you are good enough you are going on and that showed with Gracie,' said Bird. 'Our philosophy to trust talent is paying off. 'To win the league with the youngest team shows where we can go from here. My immediate thought was we are winning this next year. This is the foundation of the team.' To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on X, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter.
Powys County Times
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
London Pulse book place in Netball Super League Grand Final
London Pulse punched their ticket to the 2025 Netball Super League Grand Final with a thrilling 50-49 major semi-final victory over Loughborough Lightning. Pulse fought back from an six-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to take victory in one of the most absorbing play-off contests the league has seen. Olivia Tchine held her nerve in the circle for Pulse with a trio of decisive Soft & Gentle Super Shots in the final five minutes to turn the game on its head and send her side to the O2 on 6 July. "It's amazing," said captain Zara Everitt. "That was such an up and down game but we ground it out and that shows the maturity and the determination of the team. "We know [the Grand Final] is the big one. It is great to have the two other accolades, it really celebrates the success we have had throughout the season, but we really want that final trophy. We will put the hard work in over the next two weeks to try and get it." Pulse edge Lightning in enthralling contest Lightning were quickest out of the blocks, and quickly asserted a comfortable lead as Pulse struggled in front of the post in the early exchanges. There were clearly nerves on both sides, with each producing some uncharacteristic errors early on but it was Lightning who pushed out to a five-goal lead. Pulse scored just three goals in the opening 12 minutes, while Lightning took their chances to lead 11-3 and force a timeout from the hosts. Sam Bird's side were much improved after the break, with replacement Gracie Smith making an immediate impact at centre. Lightning continued to keep their scoreboard ticking however with the combination of Ella Clark and Samantha Wallace-Joseph making good use of the Soft & Gentle Super Shot. It allowed the defending champions to push their lead back out to 12 at one stage, but Pulse once again rallied to reduce the gap to eight as the teams headed into half time. The third quarter, as it so often does, proved pivotal in turning the game on its head as Pulse came roaring back into the contest. Two quick turnovers from Zara Everitt helped Pulse quickly eat into Lightning's lead, with the visitors calling their own timeout while five ahead. Tchine continued to impress in the circle for Pulse and it was her Super Shots that pulled Pulse level, and then into the lead, towards the end of the third quarter. Funmi Fadoju and Halimat Adio also stepped up to produce turnovers at key points for Pulse, but Vic Burgess' side refused to let the momentum completely turn and finished strongly to send the sides into the final quarter level at 35-35. The decisive fourth quarter opened with the teams going goal for goal, before Lightning got their noses in front midway through the quarter to establish a two-goal lead. The lead moved out to six after Berri Neil got a vital tip and then converted a Super Shot with four minutes left on the clock, before Wallace-Joseph added another as Lightning put the Grand Final within reach. But Tchine responded with three back-to-back of her own to level the scores once more to set up a grandstand final two minutes. A deflection from Everitt proved decisive, as Pulse turned the ball over and once more set Tchine up to convert a Super Shot, before adding another goal to make it a three-goal game. Wallace-Joseph scored a Super Shot at the death but it was not enough to prevent Pulse taking victory and booking their place in the Grand Final on 6 July. Thunder advance to Preliminary Final Loughborough Lightning will face Manchester Thunder in the Preliminary Final after they defeated London Mavericks 79-49 in the minor semi-final at Belle Vue. Thunder took control of the contest from the outset, running out to a 20-goal lead at half time before seeing out victory amidst seaering heat in Manchester. Thunder continued to welcome back Paige Reed and Lois Pearson from injury, with the pair combining to good affect in the circle. "It felt really good," said Pearson. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, after last week we knew they would come back fighting but pleased we got the win. "I am very happy personally, I have only been back two games so it means I get another game. "I am feeling good. I have had a lot of support from both Thunder and England and we are slowly building my minutes back up but it feels good to be back out there."
South Wales Argus
21-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
London Pulse book place in Netball Super League Grand Final
Pulse fought back from an six-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to take victory in one of the most absorbing play-off contests the league has seen. Olivia Tchine held her nerve in the circle for Pulse with a trio of decisive Soft & Gentle Super Shots in the final five minutes to turn the game on its head and send her side to the O2 on 6 July. "It's amazing," said captain Zara Everitt. "That was such an up and down game but we ground it out and that shows the maturity and the determination of the team. "We know [the Grand Final] is the big one. It is great to have the two other accolades, it really celebrates the success we have had throughout the season, but we really want that final trophy. We will put the hard work in over the next two weeks to try and get it." Pulse edge Lightning in enthralling contest Lightning were quickest out of the blocks, and quickly asserted a comfortable lead as Pulse struggled in front of the post in the early exchanges. There were clearly nerves on both sides, with each producing some uncharacteristic errors early on but it was Lightning who pushed out to a five-goal lead. Pulse scored just three goals in the opening 12 minutes, while Lightning took their chances to lead 11-3 and force a timeout from the hosts. Sam Bird's side were much improved after the break, with replacement Gracie Smith making an immediate impact at centre. Lightning continued to keep their scoreboard ticking however with the combination of Ella Clark and Samantha Wallace-Joseph making good use of the Soft & Gentle Super Shot. It allowed the defending champions to push their lead back out to 12 at one stage, but Pulse once again rallied to reduce the gap to eight as the teams headed into half time. The third quarter, as it so often does, proved pivotal in turning the game on its head as Pulse came roaring back into the contest. Two quick turnovers from Zara Everitt helped Pulse quickly eat into Lightning's lead, with the visitors calling their own timeout while five ahead. Tchine continued to impress in the circle for Pulse and it was her Super Shots that pulled Pulse level, and then into the lead, towards the end of the third quarter. Funmi Fadoju and Halimat Adio also stepped up to produce turnovers at key points for Pulse, but Vic Burgess' side refused to let the momentum completely turn and finished strongly to send the sides into the final quarter level at 35-35. The decisive fourth quarter opened with the teams going goal for goal, before Lightning got their noses in front midway through the quarter to establish a two-goal lead. The lead moved out to six after Berri Neil got a vital tip and then converted a Super Shot with four minutes left on the clock, before Wallace-Joseph added another as Lightning put the Grand Final within reach. But Tchine responded with three back-to-back of her own to level the scores once more to set up a grandstand final two minutes. A deflection from Everitt proved decisive, as Pulse turned the ball over and once more set Tchine up to convert a Super Shot, before adding another goal to make it a three-goal game. Wallace-Joseph scored a Super Shot at the death but it was not enough to prevent Pulse taking victory and booking their place in the Grand Final on 6 July. Thunder advance to Preliminary Final Loughborough Lightning will face Manchester Thunder in the Preliminary Final after they defeated London Mavericks 79-49 in the minor semi-final at Belle Vue. Thunder took control of the contest from the outset, running out to a 20-goal lead at half time before seeing out victory amidst seaering heat in Manchester. Thunder continued to welcome back Paige Reed and Lois Pearson from injury, with the pair combining to good affect in the circle. "It felt really good," said Pearson. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, after last week we knew they would come back fighting but pleased we got the win. "I am very happy personally, I have only been back two games so it means I get another game. "I am feeling good. I have had a lot of support from both Thunder and England and we are slowly building my minutes back up but it feels good to be back out there." To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on X, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter. The NSL Grand Final will be held at The O2 on 6 July for the first time ever. Get your tickets to experience live elite netball!
South Wales Guardian
21-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
London Pulse book place in Netball Super League Grand Final
Pulse fought back from an six-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to take victory in one of the most absorbing play-off contests the league has seen. Olivia Tchine held her nerve in the circle for Pulse with a trio of decisive Soft & Gentle Super Shots in the final five minutes to turn the game on its head and send her side to the O2 on 6 July. "It's amazing," said captain Zara Everitt. "That was such an up and down game but we ground it out and that shows the maturity and the determination of the team. "We know [the Grand Final] is the big one. It is great to have the two other accolades, it really celebrates the success we have had throughout the season, but we really want that final trophy. We will put the hard work in over the next two weeks to try and get it." Pulse edge Lightning in enthralling contest Lightning were quickest out of the blocks, and quickly asserted a comfortable lead as Pulse struggled in front of the post in the early exchanges. There were clearly nerves on both sides, with each producing some uncharacteristic errors early on but it was Lightning who pushed out to a five-goal lead. Pulse scored just three goals in the opening 12 minutes, while Lightning took their chances to lead 11-3 and force a timeout from the hosts. Sam Bird's side were much improved after the break, with replacement Gracie Smith making an immediate impact at centre. Lightning continued to keep their scoreboard ticking however with the combination of Ella Clark and Samantha Wallace-Joseph making good use of the Soft & Gentle Super Shot. It allowed the defending champions to push their lead back out to 12 at one stage, but Pulse once again rallied to reduce the gap to eight as the teams headed into half time. The third quarter, as it so often does, proved pivotal in turning the game on its head as Pulse came roaring back into the contest. Two quick turnovers from Zara Everitt helped Pulse quickly eat into Lightning's lead, with the visitors calling their own timeout while five ahead. Tchine continued to impress in the circle for Pulse and it was her Super Shots that pulled Pulse level, and then into the lead, towards the end of the third quarter. Funmi Fadoju and Halimat Adio also stepped up to produce turnovers at key points for Pulse, but Vic Burgess' side refused to let the momentum completely turn and finished strongly to send the sides into the final quarter level at 35-35. The decisive fourth quarter opened with the teams going goal for goal, before Lightning got their noses in front midway through the quarter to establish a two-goal lead. The lead moved out to six after Berri Neil got a vital tip and then converted a Super Shot with four minutes left on the clock, before Wallace-Joseph added another as Lightning put the Grand Final within reach. But Tchine responded with three back-to-back of her own to level the scores once more to set up a grandstand final two minutes. A deflection from Everitt proved decisive, as Pulse turned the ball over and once more set Tchine up to convert a Super Shot, before adding another goal to make it a three-goal game. Wallace-Joseph scored a Super Shot at the death but it was not enough to prevent Pulse taking victory and booking their place in the Grand Final on 6 July. Thunder advance to Preliminary Final Loughborough Lightning will face Manchester Thunder in the Preliminary Final after they defeated London Mavericks 79-49 in the minor semi-final at Belle Vue. Thunder took control of the contest from the outset, running out to a 20-goal lead at half time before seeing out victory amidst seaering heat in Manchester. Thunder continued to welcome back Paige Reed and Lois Pearson from injury, with the pair combining to good affect in the circle. "It felt really good," said Pearson. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, after last week we knew they would come back fighting but pleased we got the win. "I am very happy personally, I have only been back two games so it means I get another game. "I am feeling good. I have had a lot of support from both Thunder and England and we are slowly building my minutes back up but it feels good to be back out there." To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on X, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter. The NSL Grand Final will be held at The O2 on 6 July for the first time ever. Get your tickets to experience live elite netball!
The Herald Scotland
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
London Pulse book place in Netball Super League Grand Final
Olivia Tchine held her nerve in the circle for Pulse with a trio of decisive Soft & Gentle Super Shots in the final five minutes to turn the game on its head and send her side to the O2 on 6 July. "It's amazing," said captain Zara Everitt. "That was such an up and down game but we ground it out and that shows the maturity and the determination of the team. "We know [the Grand Final] is the big one. It is great to have the two other accolades, it really celebrates the success we have had throughout the season, but we really want that final trophy. We will put the hard work in over the next two weeks to try and get it." Pulse edge Lightning in enthralling contest Lightning were quickest out of the blocks, and quickly asserted a comfortable lead as Pulse struggled in front of the post in the early exchanges. There were clearly nerves on both sides, with each producing some uncharacteristic errors early on but it was Lightning who pushed out to a five-goal lead. Pulse scored just three goals in the opening 12 minutes, while Lightning took their chances to lead 11-3 and force a timeout from the hosts. Sam Bird's side were much improved after the break, with replacement Gracie Smith making an immediate impact at centre. Lightning continued to keep their scoreboard ticking however with the combination of Ella Clark and Samantha Wallace-Joseph making good use of the Soft & Gentle Super Shot. It allowed the defending champions to push their lead back out to 12 at one stage, but Pulse once again rallied to reduce the gap to eight as the teams headed into half time. The third quarter, as it so often does, proved pivotal in turning the game on its head as Pulse came roaring back into the contest. Two quick turnovers from Zara Everitt helped Pulse quickly eat into Lightning's lead, with the visitors calling their own timeout while five ahead. Tchine continued to impress in the circle for Pulse and it was her Super Shots that pulled Pulse level, and then into the lead, towards the end of the third quarter. Funmi Fadoju and Halimat Adio also stepped up to produce turnovers at key points for Pulse, but Vic Burgess' side refused to let the momentum completely turn and finished strongly to send the sides into the final quarter level at 35-35. The decisive fourth quarter opened with the teams going goal for goal, before Lightning got their noses in front midway through the quarter to establish a two-goal lead. The lead moved out to six after Berri Neil got a vital tip and then converted a Super Shot with four minutes left on the clock, before Wallace-Joseph added another as Lightning put the Grand Final within reach. But Tchine responded with three back-to-back of her own to level the scores once more to set up a grandstand final two minutes. A deflection from Everitt proved decisive, as Pulse turned the ball over and once more set Tchine up to convert a Super Shot, before adding another goal to make it a three-goal game. Wallace-Joseph scored a Super Shot at the death but it was not enough to prevent Pulse taking victory and booking their place in the Grand Final on 6 July. Thunder advance to Preliminary Final Loughborough Lightning will face Manchester Thunder in the Preliminary Final after they defeated London Mavericks 79-49 in the minor semi-final at Belle Vue. Thunder took control of the contest from the outset, running out to a 20-goal lead at half time before seeing out victory amidst seaering heat in Manchester. Thunder continued to welcome back Paige Reed and Lois Pearson from injury, with the pair combining to good affect in the circle. "It felt really good," said Pearson. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, after last week we knew they would come back fighting but pleased we got the win. "I am very happy personally, I have only been back two games so it means I get another game. "I am feeling good. I have had a lot of support from both Thunder and England and we are slowly building my minutes back up but it feels good to be back out there." To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on X, Instagram and TikTok, Netball Super League on Facebook and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter. The NSL Grand Final will be held at The O2 on 6 July for the first time ever. Get your tickets to experience live elite netball!
