Leaders Pulse beat Panthers to win fifth in a row
London Pulse wing attack Alicia Scholes was named player of the match against Birmingham Panthers
- Published
London Pulse maintained their perfect start to the Netball Super League season as they beat Birmingham Panthers for their a fifth straight win.
Pulse led narrowly at half-time before running out 68-58 winners, though this was the first time this season that they have failed to score 70 or more points.
The match was paused for just over 20 minutes in the third quarter when Panthers centre Gabby Marshall hit the back of her head in a fall and was taken to hospital.
Marshall collided with Pulse goalkeeper Darcie Everitt, who was given a two-minute penalty, when attempting to catch a pass.
England international Olivia Tchine led the way for the Pulse with 40 goals at Worcester Arena on Sunday.
NSL newcomers Panthers remain without a win in seventh, while leaders Pulse are now three points clear of Manchester Thunder, who had drawn level on Saturday with a 70-57 win over Leeds Rhinos.
Rhinos reduced the lead to two with eight minutes remaining, but a late surge from Thunder allowed them to pull away.
Goal attack Elmere van der Berg led the way with 30 goals for Thunder, who have now won four of their opening five matches.
The result sets up a top-of-the-table meeting next week, with Thunder travelling to Pulse, a game you can watch live on BBC Sport.
Also on Saturday, Loughborough Lightning claimed their third victory of the season with a 70-63 success over winless Cardiff Dragons.
Samantha Wallace-Joseph led the way for Lightning with an impressive 40 goals in only her second appearance of the season.
It was a much improved performance from Dragons, who put up their best score of the campaign, but it was not enough for a positive result.
The defeat leaves them rock bottom of the NSL, without a point after four games.
On Friday, London Mavericks moved on to 11 points for the season with a 67-56 win over Nottingham Forest.
Australian goal shooter Emily Andrew led the way for the Mavericks with 41 goals, while Emma Thacker chipped in with six.
'A really difficult game' - reaction
London Pulse wing attack Alicia Scholes: "It was a really difficult game, mentally there were so many ups and downs. They exposed our weaknesses a bit but we probably needed it, because we've not had a close game yet."
London Pulse head coach Sam Bird: "It was a messy game. I was pleased with the resilience, it's obviously a difficult injury and I hope Gabby is OK, but to have that break and keep your discipline with six players on the court, they managed that really well."
Birmingham Panthers head coach Jo Trip: "We were really calm and controlled for 75-80% of that game. A really pleasing effort and definitely something we're growing from."
Best of the stats
Thunder goal attack Elmere van der Berg was top scorer in the NSL after Saturday, taking her total for the season to 194.
After registering 10 rebounds in the defeat by Thunder, Rhinos goal shooter Joyce Mvula now leads the league with 18.
Dragons put up their best score of the season in defeat and also had their best shooting success so far (88%).
Fixtures and results
Round six
Friday, 18 April
London Pulse v Manchester Thunder (19:00 BST) - live on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app, and on demand
Saturday, 19 April
London Mavericks v Loughborough Lightning (17:00)
Birmingham Panthers v Nottingham Forest (18:00)
Cardiff Dragons v Leeds Rhinos (19:00)