VNSL Match Report 2022: London Pulse Lose on the Road to Thunder 51-48

On the 19th March Pulse headed up to Manchester for their away fixture against Thunder. After a long winning streak of home games Pulse we’re ready to give what it takes to knock Thunder off their unbeaten streak. Pulse were absolutely aware of how closely contested this game would be, since Pulse were sitting third in the table and thunder were at the top. What a game lay ahead!

With Ellie Rattu unavailable for selection due to illness, the starting 7 was announced as:

GK Keable
GD Fadoju
WD Everitt
C Honey
WA Dekker
GA Mcdonald
GS Tchine

Pulse had an awesome start and were taking the first quarter 3-1, Liv Tchine showed awesome confidence as she slotted goals and Funmi had an epic start to the game with her tips and tricks. Thunder began to claw their way back into the leading position and with an awesome rebound and flying tip from Funmi the quarter score sat at 13-11 to Thunder

 
Heading into quarter two no changes were made. After a great start from Pulse the coaches felt as if the same 7 were ready to keep pushing on and challenge the opposition.
After a goal for goal episode at the start of the second quarter and some unbelievable play from Sacha, Thunder scored three goals on the bounce making the score 26-21.

Pulse began to pull back towards the end of the quarter with Zara Everitt and Lindsay Keable adding huge pressure onto the Thunder attack. Pulse managed to get the ball down to Liv and she scored with 3 seconds remaining on the buzzer. Thunder lead 28-24 at half time. All set up for a big second half.

Going into quarter 3 no changes were made, however coaches were confident in putting on some fresh legs later that quarter and had warned the bench to be warm and ready. A great start from Pulse with the confidence of these young girls on FIRE. Ash Dekker and Tayla Honey continued to add immense pressure through court and use speed and change of direction to get the ball safely into the hands of Liv Tchine.

The Thunder fans were going wild and the noise and atmosphere was at intense. Thunder were leading 32-30. Pulse continued to push on and with 6 minutes to go the score sat at 32-32. To add fresh legs onto the court Pulse substituted Alicia Scholes for Ash Dekker. Alicia had been showing amazing performances in all of the recent home games and Pulse felt as though she could bring speed and flare to the game.

Thunder began to push on, and after a beautiful ball from Alicia Scholes and some great balance through court the quarter ends 39-36 to Thunder. What a game!

Heading into the final quarter Pulse started strong with four goals of the bounce. Pulse led by one 40-39. Another amazing ball from Tayla and the defence working super hard to turn ball over. A substitution is made Jasmin Odeogberin on, Funmi into GK and Lindsay off. However, Thunder turn it over and lead 46-45. The fans are on the edge of their seats in anticipation as the last quarter is battled out goal for goal.

Zara and Alicia play an amazing give and go and have the Pulse bench on their feet. Thunder start to take the lead as Pulse lose the ball off a back line. 30 seconds on the clock and Thunder lead 50-47.

 
After an amazingly intense game from start to finish the result unfortunately sat in Thunders hands, with a final score of 51-48. Just three goals in it.

 
Although not the result Pulse wanted it was a great performance from both teams and one that the sellout crowd will remember.

Amazing game –  Player of the match went to the amazing Zara Everitt.