Pulse secure double over Mavericks after 53-63 Derby win.

photo taken from @ldnmavericks on instagram

London Pulse go back to the top of the table after their Derby day win on Sunday Afternoon. The visitors won 53-63 against London Mavericks at OVO Arena, Wembley in front of a crowd of over 3,000 fans. 

Both sides started the game well as just 4 minutes in, it was only 2-2 due to the play being end to end. Razia Quashie in the Mavericks goalkeeper dress had two turnovers within the space of three minutes but there were loose balls from the home side which helped Pulse. 

Just five minutes on the clock, Pulse made a change with Alicia Scholes coming off and Gracie Smith coming on as centre with Tyler Orr moving to an unnatural wing attack for just six minutes of play.

Pulse’s Funmi Fadoju was the star for the side after multiple turnovers and moved the ball from side to side on court. Pulse’s attackers Liv Tchine and Nichole Breedt had two super shots to their name to bring the scoreline to seven difference. 

End of first quarter: London Mavericks 10-17 London Pulse

In the second quarter, London Pulse looked to have run away with the tie with Nicole Breedt having three super shots down. Quick passes from Mavericks looked to have helped the side but there were loose balls for both which made them struggle.

Pulse had good defensive pressure from Funmi Fadoju and Halimat Adio with Mavericks’ Izzi Phillips having good defensive play for the home side. 

Both sides also made changes throughout, with Mavericks’ Emma Thacker moving to Goal Shooter and Kira Rothwell coming on as Goal Attack with 8 minutes to go. They also brought Ellie Rattu off at Centre with Amy Hepworth-Wain taking over. 

Half-time: London Mavericks 22-35 London Pulse

There were no changes during the break with both sides having quick plays up and down the court. Both Razia Quashie and Funmi Fadoju both intercepted the ball at important times to help their sides at either end of the court.

Pulse used their Tactical Time Out with 52 seconds left on the clock and a 5 goal lead at the time and both sides put pressure on the shooting players which made the derby close. 

Changes came as Mavericks Captain Ellie Rattu returned to the court at Wing Defence and replaced Izzi Phillips. For Pulse, they had Gracie Smith go to Centre with Tyler Orr coming off again. 

End of third quarter: London Mavericks 43-49 London Pulse

In the final quarter, London Pulse ran away with the fixture with Liv Tchine having two Super Shots to her name. London Mavericks had multiple long balls to try and bring the play forward to their favour but the crosses were intercepted from Pulse’s goal defence Funmi Fadoju.

Both sides piled on the pressure with Pulse performing short and quick passes around the shooting circle, which helped both Liv Tchine and Nicole Breedt get the position they wanted. 

Alicia Scholes went to the bench towards the end of the tie with Tyler Orr returning at Wing Attack which saw the game through for the visitors. 

Full-time: London Mavericks 53-63 London Pulse

Player of the Match: Pulse’s Funmi Fadoju received Player of the Match after multiple intercepts and overturns helped her team get the double over their rivals. 

What’s to come:

Both sides play on Sunday 18th with Pulse hosting Loughborough Lightning at 6pm and Mavericks travelling to Leeds Rhinos for a 4pm first centre pass. 

Teams:

London Mavericks starting seven: Emily Andrew (GS), Emma Thacker (GA), Suzie Liverseidge (WA), Ellie Rattu ©, Izzi Phillips (WD), Jemma Donoghue (GD), Razia Quashie (GK). 

Impact Players: Kira Rothwell (GA/WA), Amelia Hall (WA/GA/C), Amy Hepworth-Wain (WD/C). 

London Pulse starting seven: Liv Tchine (GS), Nichole Breedt (GA), Alicia Scholes (WA), Tyler Orr ©, Zara Everitt (WD), Funmi Fadoju (GD), Halimat Adio (GK). 

Impact Players: Darcie Everitt, Sophie Kelly, Gracie Smith.