Forest seal play-off spot with Lightning win

Nottingham Forest have reached the play-offs in their second season of existence 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.