Leeds Rhinos Netball 51 Severn Stars 53

It was another nail biting finish for Leeds Rhinos Netball in their round eight game against Severn Stars. After holding a narrow lead throughout the game, Liana Leota's side couldn't hold on in the final quarter and allowed the visitors to fight back to claim the win. Gabby Marshall got the game underway with the first centre pass which Stars quickly took to goal. Rhinos took their first centre pass quickly to get themselves onto the scoreboard. Brie Grierson and Paige Reed combined well with Reed at shooter continuing to add to her tally. Defensively, the Rhinos looked tight defensive and were able to turn over ball to ensure they able to build a lead. Elle Mcdonald worked hard on the circle edge and also picked up a rebound for her side and then Grierson moved the ball round quickly before getting her first goal of the game to keep her side two goals up at 5-3. Rhinos pressure pushed Stars off the sideline but they weren’t deterred and eventually found former Rhino Sigi Burger scored. Vicki Oyesola was in impressive form remained composed in the circle coming out with the ball. Grierson and Reed continued to work well as a unit to help the team build a 13-11 lead and then a quick one two between Grierson and Caroline O'Hanlon allowed the goal attack to add on one more which left Stars with just seconds on the clock. Stars managed to find Burger under the post meaning it was a one goal game at the first break in favour to Rhinos 17-16. At the start of the second quarter Reed moved down out to GA, and Grierson moved into GS, whilst Rosie Harris also moved to WD with Michelle Magee taking the GD bib. Reed started the second period beautifully with a perfectly timed drive into the circle to land herself right under the post. The ball was passed between teams before Stars converted a Rhinos centre along with their own to give themselves the lead 19-20. Rhinos kept in the game and the score remained level for a few minutes. Oyesola took lots of touches on the ball and this defensive pressure caused a held ball. Burger got an intercept for Stars but Magee and Oyesola combined well again to regain composure and possession for the home side in such a close fixture 21-20. O'Hanlon nearly took a goal for herself but it was Reed who put it through the net to bring the home sides lead to four 25-21. Stars fought back and with one more turnover the game was level at 27 all. Oyesola got another touch of the ball and it fell into the hands of Magee, twenty seconds remained and Reed took the shot just before the buzzer for the half time break 29-27. Nia Jones entered the game at WD at the start of the second half and Grierson moved back into GA and Reed to GS. Stars got the second half underway with the first centre and took it straight to goal. They then forced Rhinos off the sideline to turnover the ball and Jess Shaw found Burger to re level the game at 29 all. Stars converted their own centre passes and Rhinos has to hold their nerve despite the tenacious fight back from Severn Stars. Oyesola came out on the fly resulting in the ball falling off the sideline but Stars quickly found Burger 30-31. Some unforced errors from both sides saw the ball pass between both Rhinos and Stars and again the game was back tied 33-33. Oyesola got yet another tip on the feed into Burger and with an attacking contact call being made Rhinos converted, before Grierson put another one through from a Rhinos centre to bring it a two goal game 35-33. Despite tireless work and success from Oyesola the ball couldn’t reach the post. Stars put another one through the net which brought the game back level 37-37. Burger added one more with two seconds remaining of the quarter. Rhinos entered the final quarter just one goal ahead, 39-38. The Rhinos who took the first centre of the final quarter which made it straight to goal. Oyesola made another touch on the rebound but couldn’t quite keep it on the court. Magee moved up to the transverse line to help with the transition but there was too much on the ball into Reed. Mcdonald and Grierson combined well but a missed shots saw Stars convert, they then took their own centre to goal. Reed settled her side by sinking two which was a real crowd pleaser, 45-47. The gap remained at two with under four minutes remaining. Oyesola and Magee switched in the circle which resulted in them coming out with ball, a quick transition ended with a goal. Rhinos had the next centre and managed to bring the game back level at 50 apiece. Stars took there centre pass to goal and Rhinos showed patience on their transition. Burger converted Stars centre pass 51-52. A call went against Rhinos within the goal circle giving Stars possession allowing them to add one more onto the board with seconds remaining to steal the win in the final period of play by two goals 53-51. Vicki Oyesola deservingly picked up the Age Partnership player of the match award. Rhinos next fixture will see them face Team Bath away at Team bath Arena next Friday 31st March. Rhinos return home on Sunday 2nd April at Huddersfield University where they will take on Celtic Dragons. Tickets for Rhinos home games can be purchases at tickets.rhinosnetball.co.uk