Netball Super League 2026: London Pulse ends Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten run

London Pulse coach Sam Bird says her side’s ability to stay calm in tight games will serve them well for the rest of the Netball Super League season after a thrilling 73-63 win over Nottingham Forest.

The Pulse ended Forest’s 100% start to the season with a brave performance as they won the game in extra time after the scores were level at 53 all at the end of regulation time.

Olivia Cheney, who scored 46 goals, and Sophie Kelly were decisive for the Pulse in the extra 10 minutes to give the defending champions their third win of the season.

“We were in a close final, we were in a close semi-final, and I think they learned to stand up in these critical moments,” Baird told BBC Sport.

“Who knows? It might happen later in the league.”

Player of the Match Kelly was pleased with how Pulse were able to overcome a slow start to the contest to emerge victorious.

“We didn’t start well enough. I think we were a little lacking,” she said.

He added: “But I think we can be really proud of ourselves because we are able to go on and get the win in the end, especially when we face Forest who are unbeaten this season.”

Forest coach Chelsea Pittman said the extra-time defeat would be a valuable learning curve for her team.

“Obviously I’m disappointed not to win because I thought we controlled the game for 58 minutes,” she explained.

“I think you always hear the cliche ‘you learn more from losing’, but you also learn more about your team’s resolve and also you can see what other teams pull off when it comes to extra time.

“I think when we’re put in that situation again, it’ll be a different story.”