Nottingham Forest reached the Netball Tremendous League play-offs for the primary time of their historical past with a 76-65 victory over leaders Loughborough Lightning.
Fourth-placed Forest ensured they could not be overtaken by the league’s chasing pack, extending a 39-35 half-time result in condemn Lightning to simply their second defeat of the season.
Rolene Streutker top-scored for Forest with 42 targets, whereas goalkeeper Jayda Pechova starred on the different finish of the court docket.
“We had a very good efficiency final week and we simply constructed on that. We put all of it on the market,” participant of the match Pechova informed BBC Sport.
“I really feel like I actually labored laborious this yr and it is paying off. It being our second yr as a squad and we have come this far, it is loopy. We’re prime 4 and our efficiency and the way we have gelled as a squad is unimaginable.”
Nottingham Forest coach Chelsea Pitman added that she felt emotional watching her facet attain the post-season of their second season of existence.
“We spoke in regards to the significance of this sport, the chance to attending to the semi-finals it doesn’t matter what occurs with different groups,” stated Pittman.
“And for them to go on the market and put out a constant 4 quarters – nonetheless room for enchancment – I am a cheerful coach.”
Within the night’s different match, Manchester Thunder received 82-66 at Leeds Rhinos to knock Lightning off the highest of the standings.
Thunder now lead the league on aim distinction, with each groups having received 10 video games and misplaced two.
Eleanor Cardwell and Sophie Fawns scored 33 and 19 targets respectively for Thunder, whereas Paige Reed’s 24 was the highest rating for Rhinos, who’ve by no means crushed their cross-Pennine rivals.
Within the the rest of spherical 12’s fixtures, backside facet Birmingham Panthers host Dragons on Saturday (18:00 BST), whereas it is a London derby on Sunday (16:00 BST) as Mavericks welcome third-placed Pulse.
Each Mavericks and Dragons, who’re sixth and fifth respectively, noticed their probabilities of reaching the play-offs ended by Forest’s victory.
