In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Netball Super League regular season, London Pulse clinched the top position, earning themselves the coveted home advantage for the upcoming major semi-final.
Going into the last round of matches, Pulse held a narrow two-point lead over Loughborough Lightning, and a surprising turn of events helped solidify their standing.
Birmingham Panthers delivered an unexpected victory under the guidance of coach Jo Trip in her farewell game, defeating Lightning 67-58. This win was crucial, especially considering Lightning’s recent dominance with three Grand Finals victories in four years, ensuring Pulse finished first.
Antonia Mitchell was instrumental for the Panthers, scoring 42 goals as her team surged ahead in the second quarter, taking advantage of a Lightning squad that struggled to find their rhythm—raising concerns as they head into the play-offs.
Pulse maintained their momentum going into their next face-off against Lightning with an impressive 67-44 victory over the Cardiff Dragons, buoyed by Olivia Tchine’s 36 goals.
The winner of this crucial semi-final will secure a spot in the Grand Final, while the losing team will have to battle the victor of the minor semi-final, featuring Manchester Thunder and London Mavericks, to determine the second finalist.
In a prelude to the semi-finals, Thunder bested Mavericks 67-45 at Wembley Arena, with standout player Elmere van der Berg scoring an impressive 50 goals.
As the weekend progresses, the netball community will also bid farewell to one of its legends. Former England international Geva Mentor will make her final appearance on the court for Leeds Rhinos against Nottingham Forest on Sunday at 16:00 BST, a match available for live viewing on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.