London Pulse may have lost their grip on the Netball Super League title, but head coach Sam Bird has vowed the glamorous Pink and Blacks will return stronger next season.
In their third consecutive Grand Final appearance, the Stratford-based outfit could not match last season’s 53-45 triumph over Loughborough Lightning, as Manchester Thunder sealed a final-minute 54-51 victory last Saturday at Co-op Live Arena, Manchester.
Eleanor Cardwell’s two-point super shot and a one-pointer from Australian international Sophie Fawns three seconds from time saw Thunder claim a record fifth NSL title - equalling the achievement of the now-disbanded Team Bath.
Bird admits Pulse had plenty of chances to win the game even before they tied it 51-all with a minute left.
“We had opportunities to pull away and but we didn’t,” Bird told Netball Super League official website.
“It’s really important that we don’t just look at the last five or 20 seconds.
"We have to look at it as a whole.
“I think we could have been a bit braver.
"We were confident in our one-point game so it was a bit like our play through the thirds and just building pressure by scoring ones.
“Thunder did start to miss but then they had a really hot spell on the two-pointers and that’s what changes games, those two-point shots.
“We know we can come back stronger next season and we can’t wait to bring the brand of London Pulse netball back to our fans.”
Captain Enfield-born Halimat Adio, 28, summed up Pulse’s 2026 campaign by quoting on her Instagram account: “It's been a whirlwind of a season.
"It’s been full of highs, lessons, and memories that l'll never forget.
“I’m so gutted not to get over that final line, but I’m extremely proud of this team and everything we achieved together.
“Thank you God for the opportunity to play, compete, and make it all the way to a Grand Final and congratulations to Manchester Thunder on the win.”
For all the latest squad updates and season ticket news for the 2027 season go to: londonpulsenetball.com.
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