Written by Maria Thompson
📸 - @netballsl
Friday, 27th February, marked the opening of the 2026 NSL season as Manchester Thunder travelled south to face the defending champions, London Pulse. With exciting lineups on both sides, it was clearly shaping up to be a classic. Sophie Kelly started proceedings by netting the first goal of the season. Within the first few minutes, London Pulse had already established a three-goal lead after forcing turnovers from Thunder’s first two centre passes.
As the game continued, Pulse demonstrated the strong team connection that secured them the 2025 title. The standouts for me were Gracie Smith, who used her height to dominate the centre court, and Sophie Fawns, whose SSN experience showed in her movement and ease with Super Shots. Sophie Kelly gave a faultless performance in gaining possession and showcasing her two-point skills, while Halimat Adio used her England experience to pressure the Thunder attack, snatching vital interceptions. Adio’s dominant display earned her the Player of the Match award.
In the second game, Nottingham Forest travelled to the home of the London Mavericks, looking to avenge their two losses against the side from the previous season. While the Mavericks took the first few goals, it didn't take long for Forest to find their rhythm. The first quarter showcased defensive strength from both sides, ending in a 13-13 deadlock. Tash Pavelin, Jayda Pechova, Razia Quashie, and Jamie Golob all proved exactly why they were selected, displaying great connections and stunning work rates.
By the end of the third quarter, it looked as though the Mavericks had found their stride, leading by three following a period of clinical interceptions and outstanding attacking play. However, through sheer grit and determination, Nottingham Forest fought back to secure a 60-59 victory—their first-ever win over the London side. Following a fantastic 60-minute defensive performance, Tash Pavelin was named Player of the Match. Has Forest coach Chelsea Pitman found her winning formula against the Mavericks? We shall find out during the reverse fixture later this season.
In the third fixture, the Dragons travelled to Loughborough hoping to offer a more competitive challenge to the Super Cup champions than they did last season. With a bolstered squad, the Dragons were looking to right the wrongs of previous years.
Following a competitive start, the first quarter ended 19-15 to the Dragons. However, Lightning began showing signs of dominance during the Super Shot periods. Fans wondered: could the Dragons keep up with the pace set by Sam Wallace-Joseph and Ella Clark, or would the pressure at both ends become too much for the Welsh side? Eventually, Lightning found their signature rhythm, flipping the "dominance switch" to win the game by 15 goals. What impressed me and many other fans was the Dragons' willingness to challenge for the Super Shot—a positive shift from the hesitancy seen last season.
In the final game of the weekend, Leeds Rhinos travelled to the Worcester Arena to face the Birmingham Panthers. With a new setup, the Panthers were looking to make a statement in their second season in the league.
In a low-scoring first quarter, both sides worked to find their feet while testing newly formed connections. Notably, Jaz Brown and Sanmarie Visser read each other’s play quickly, applying heavy pressure to the Panthers' attack. By halftime, it was clear the game would remain low-scoring due to a lack of flow in the centre court and a general hesitancy to attempt two-point shots. Fans on social media called for more creativity and more attempts at goal.
As the game progressed, the Rhinos shifted gears to pull away with a 54-39 win. Thanks to a dominant display in the centre court, Bella Baylis was awarded Player of the Match.
With mixed results across the league in Round One, it is certainly shaping up to be an interesting season. As London Pulse look to defend their title, one has to wonder: who will be the team to stop them?
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