London Pulse Beat London Mavericks 56-46 in Netball Super League Week 7

London Pulse maintained their momentum in the Netball Super League on Friday night, securing a hard-fought 56-46 victory over the London Mavericks. The clash, which served as the opening fixture for week seven of the season, saw Pulse establish an early, commanding lead before weathering a spirited second-half comeback attempt from their local rivals.

The victory is a significant milestone for Pulse, who have now won six of their seven matches this season. This result moves them to 18 points in the league standings, placing them level with current league leaders Loughborough Lightning. The match was defined by a clinical start from Pulse and a resilient performance from their bench, which proved vital in the absence of key personnel.

The encounter showcased both the tactical depth of Sam Bird’s Pulse squad and the fighting spirit of Tamsin Greenway’s Mavericks. Whereas Pulse dominated the opening quarter, the Mavericks’ use of high-value scoring opportunities kept the contest engaging until the final whistle, ensuring the London derby remained a thriller for the spectators.

Pulse Power Through Mavericks Rally

From the first whistle, London Pulse appeared determined to dictate the tempo. They raced into a stunning 12-1 lead within the first 10 minutes of play, a blitz that left the Mavericks struggling to locate any rhythm in their attacking third. The early dominance was so pronounced that Mavericks coach Tamsin Greenway was forced to call an early tactical timeout to halt the momentum of the home side.

Despite the early deficit, the Mavericks did not collapse. They gradually clawed their way back into the contest, utilizing the “super shot” to maximize their scoring efficiency. Emma Thacker was instrumental in this effort, scoring three two-point super shots that helped the Mavericks cut the lead to just four points by the conclusion of the third quarter. This surge shifted the pressure back onto Pulse, turning a potential rout into a tense battle of nerves.

However, Pulse managed to regain control in the closing stages. Head coach Sam Bird praised the team’s endurance and mental toughness, stating, “I’m pleased with how we finished the game. We showed we have a lot in the tank to finish strong.” The ability to withstand the Mavericks’ fightback ensured that Pulse walked away with the full points, further cementing their status as title contenders according to match reports.

Overcoming the Absence of Liv Tchine

A major narrative heading into the match was the absence of star goal shooter Liv Tchine, who missed the game due to injury. This marked the second consecutive match Tchine has sidelined, leaving a significant void in the Pulse attacking circle.

The burden of scoring fell upon Kamogelo Maseko and Sophie Kelly, both of whom rose to the occasion. Maseko led the scoring charge with 27 goals, while Kelly contributed 16 goals, combining for 43 of the team’s 56 total points. Their ability to maintain high shooting percentages and build chemistry on the fly was a highlight of the evening.

Funmi Fadoju, who was named player of the match, highlighted the importance of the squad’s preparation. “When you have someone like Liv out, you do realise we have so much other strength on the bench like Kamo [Maseko] and Sophie [Kelly],” Fadoju noted. She further credited their training regimen, adding, “They operate so hard in training to build those connections, it’s working so well. I’m proud of the hard work they’ve been putting in, grinding every single session, how to do the triangles and the screens. They were so good.”

A Tale of Two Halves: From Dominance to Defiance

The contrast between the first and final quarters of the match illustrated the volatility of the Netball Super League. Pulse’s opening 12-1 run suggested a mismatch, but the subsequent quarters revealed a Mavericks team capable of tactical adjustments. The use of the super shot—a high-risk, high-reward two-point goal—allowed the Mavericks to bridge the gap quickly, turning the game into a psychological battle.

Fadoju acknowledged the dip in Pulse’s control during the middle stages of the game, admitting, “We knew we had a very strong first quarter, but then had to push on. We understand we let them back into the game.” This admission underscores the competitive nature of the derby, where a momentary lapse in concentration can allow an opponent to mount a serious challenge.

To put this result in perspective, the 10-goal margin in 2026 is a stark contrast to the previous year’s encounter. In Round 3 of the 2025 Netball Super League, London Pulse secured a much more dominant 78-42 victory over the Mavericks as recorded by club archives. The closer scoreline in the current season suggests a narrowing gap between the two London sides.

League Standings and the Road Ahead

With this victory, London Pulse is now locked in a tight race for the top spot. Their 18 points put them neck-and-neck with Loughborough Lightning. The battle for the summit of the Netball Super League will intensify immediately, as Lightning is scheduled to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday, April 11, at 19:00 BST.

The rest of the week seven schedule continues on Saturday with two other high-profile matchups. LexisNexis Dragons will host the Birmingham Panthers in Cardiff at 16:00 BST, followed by a clash between Manchester Thunder and the Leeds Rhinos at 17:00 BST.

For Pulse, the priority will be the recovery of Liv Tchine. While Maseko and Kelly proved they can handle the scoring load, the return of their star shooter would provide additional tactical flexibility and scoring power as the league progresses toward the playoffs.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the league is the conclusion of the week seven fixtures on Saturday, April 11, which will determine whether London Pulse can seize the top position or if Loughborough Lightning will maintain their lead.

Do you think London Pulse can maintain this form without Liv Tchine? Share your thoughts in the comments below or share this article with fellow netball fans.