Round 8 Match Report: London Pulse Make it 5 from 5 at the Copper Box
Starting 7 today: Liv, Sacha, Ash, Tayla, Zara, Funmi, Lindsay
Q1
Sirens got the first C pass, but Funmi Fadoju forced the first pulse turnover in 40 seconds. How talented is this lady? Unfortunately for Pulse, they were unable to convert, and Sirens scored their first goal. Smooth swift C pass from London Pulse gets them their first goal.
Everitt’s relentless pressure forces Sirens centre to receive the ball off the court. The ball was back in the hands of London Pulse, and they took the lead for the first time in the game. Continuous pressure from the Pulse athletes, particularly Tayla, who tipped and collected a pass, allowed Pulse to capitalise on this chance and get the ball to goal. Score 6-5.
With both sides still attempting to read one another, the game went goal for goal. However, the incredible Lindsay Keable disrupted this pattern with a stunning rebound. The game’s intensity increased, and there was plenty of defensive work happening, but Pulse were unable to capitalise on more of their opportunities.
Q1 Score: 8-9
Q2
No change were made by either team. In the first seconds, London Pulse had an opportunity to draw with Sirens, but Sirens turned Pulse’s C-pass. McDonald eventually gained the ball and scored for Pulse in this quarter after a mountain of movement to shrug off her defence. Not only had the intensity grown, but also the physicality, particularly on Tayla Honey, but she remained unfazed as she sent another wonderful ball to Tchine, bringing us to within one goal of Sirens. Zara Everitt’s defensive work up court resulted in a critical turnover, levelling the game. 13-13.
This quarter flew by, and I found myself struggling to keep up with the action. Pulse went on a two-point run and led by two, but in the final couple minutes, they took their foot off the gas, and the final quarter score was 19-19.
Q2 Score: 19-19
Q3 Ellie Rattu came in at C and what an immediate impact she made! There was a big shift of momentum and within 4 minutes Pulse were ahead by 4 making the score 24-20
The squad started to build with confidence, so much that Alicia Scholes was able to wang a ball to Tchine, and what a take from Tchine who was practically kissing the post as she collected the ball. I suppose it was “let’s test Olivia Tchine day” since Ellie Rattu was also confident to pass a beautiful long ball to her. Score 27-22 to Pulse.
Sirens eventually got the ball to their shooters but Keable’s lean over the shot was stopping them taking it goal and when your 5’10 GD grabs a rebound off a 6’4 shooter it’s even better.
Pulse scored 17 goals in the third quarter. That is what they mean when they say championship Quarter.
Quarter 3 Score: 36-26
Q4
Pulse started the fourth quarter firing and took the first turnover and first goal.
During Sirens C pass the pressure from defence was so good that it set up Alicia Scholes for an attacking intercept – sent down court to expand the gap to 39-26.
Jasmin, Berri, Kira all entered the game to add some spice. So much confidence in this squad to be able to have your complete bench on in a key match.
Again, Lindsay Keable came through with a flying intercept and the transition from Pulse was swift allowing Rothwell to slot her first shot of the game.
However, Sirens were not finished as they also upped the gear a little bit after having a run of three, but it was no issue for the London Pulse as they scored off their C pass.
In the last few second Keable got a big tip and Pulse push it rapidly down court but time ran out.
And with that Pulse grab their 6th win of the season
PoM: Lindsay Keable
Final score 48-38
Thank you so much to all of our London Pulse supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone else who has contributed to the event’s success. This has been a phenomenal response to our first few home games, and we would not have been able to accomplish it without you. We are now away for a couple of weeks but are back at home on 2nd April as we face Loughborough Lightning – tickets here – https://londonpulsenetball.ticketline.co.uk/
#PINKARMY