Nottingham Forest reach Netball Super League play-offs for first time

Nottingham Forest reached the Netball Super League play-offs for the first time in their history with a 76-65 victory over leaders Loughborough Lightning.

Fourth-placed Forest ensured they couldn't be overtaken by the league's chasing pack, extending a 39-35 half-time lead to condemn Lightning to just their second defeat of the season.

Rolene Streutker top-scored for Forest with 42 goals, while goalkeeper Jayda Pechova starred at the other end of the court.

"We had a really good performance last week and we just built on that. We put it all out there," player of the match Pechova told BBC Sport.

"I feel like I really worked hard this year and it's paying off. It being our second year as a squad and we've come this far, it's crazy. We're top four and our performance and how we've gelled as a squad is incredible."

Nottingham Forest coach Chelsea Pitman added that she felt emotional watching her side reach the post-season in their second season of existence.

"We spoke about the importance of this game, the opportunity to getting to the semi-finals no matter what happens with other teams," said Pittman.

"And for them to go out there and put out a consistent four quarters – still room for improvement – I'm a happy coach."

In the evening's other match, Manchester Thunder won 82-66 at Leeds Rhinos to knock Lightning off the top of the standings.

Thunder now lead the league on goal difference, with both teams having won 10 games and lost two.

Eleanor Cardwell and Sophie Fawns scored 33 and 19 goals respectively for Thunder, while Paige Reed's 24 was the top score for Rhinos, who have never beaten their cross-Pennine rivals.

In the remainder of round 12's fixtures, bottom side Birmingham Panthers host Dragons on Saturday (18:00 BST), while it's a London derby on Sunday (16:00 BST) as Mavericks welcome third-placed Pulse.

Both Mavericks and Dragons, who are sixth and fifth respectively, saw their chances of reaching the play-offs ended by Forest's victory.