Composure from Pulse pushes them back up to second

Abi Robson got the game underway for Sirens and Pulse defender Funmi Fadoju made her presence known immediately, putting pressure on the opposition attack. Working with Hali Adio, the defensive duo combined well in the defensive circle as the Pulse attacking end converted early turnovers into a 5-1 lead. But Sirens reacted quickly and pulled the score back to 5-6.

With the rest of the quarter going goal-for-goal, and both attacking ends letting the ball go with confidence, the first 15 minutes ended with Pulse holding a slight 16-15 lead.

A fierce start to the second quarter saw turnovers from both sides. The defensive pressure was building from Pulse but Sirens were working hard to hold it off.

A mid-quarter change saw Ellie Rattu enter the court at WD who showed strong attacking play, firing the ball into Olivia Tchine under the post. A flurry of goals from Pulse in the last few minutes of the second half saw the score going into the break move up to 32-29.

Pulse head coach Sam Bird continue to ring the changes, bringing Lindsay Keable on at GK, Berri Neil at GA and Alicia Scholes at WA.

The hosts' attack grew in confidence as the feeders hoisted the ball into Tchine where the goals began to flow. Sirens attempted the same but Fadoju and Keable's coverage in the circle limited their success. Clarke and Scholes were fluid in attack for Pulse as the hosts maintained the upper hand in the third quarter but Sirens kept in reach and trailed by just five going into the last 15 minutes.

Pulse made a quick start to the final quarter, stretching their lead to nine with just over 10 minutes left to play. Ashleigh Dekker entered the court and alongside Rattu, continued to serve Tchine in the circle. Neil rounded off the win for her side with a long shot at the end to take the final score to 63-53.

Match Report provided by London Pulse