Mavericks 53 Rhinos 44

Leeds Rhinos had a close encounter against a tenacious Saracens Mavericks but fell short of a win despite putting on a resilient and impressive performance in round two of the netball super league. Saracens Mavericks dominated the final quarter winning the game by 9 goals (53-44) 

Liana Leota made no changes to the match day twelve for her sides round two fixture against Saracens Mavericks. Leota did however adjust her starting 7 with Cassie Howard starting the game at wing defence and Michelle Magee starting with the goal defence bib.

Caroline O’Hanlon got the game underway and the first goal was quickly scored. It was Rhinos who fumbled with the ball first and Mavericks gained confidence in the error despite the score being level with both sides converting their centre passes. Both sides showed patience on the transition down the court but a short pass within the Rhinos shooting circle allowed Mavericks to pull away a lead. Emma Thacker scored a buzzer beater to finish off the first quarter and gave the home side a four goal lead entering the first break (16-12).

Both sides started the second quarter at pace, making errors throughout the court. The deficit remained at four for a while before Michelle Magee made a vital interception; Joyce Mvula added goals onto the board which saw the gap reduce to two (23-21). A Rhinos error allowed Mavericks to regain a healthy lead, this saw Mavericks retain their four goal lead entering half time (28-24).

A strong third quarter performance from Rhinos saw them win the quarter 12 goals to 9 and reduce the gap. Cassie Howard had an impressive performance alongside captain Geva Mentor in gaining possession. The ball went back and forth between both sides and the score fluctuated with both teams defensive units having impact. Rhinos reduced the gap at the third break to just two goals (38-36).

Mavericks started the final quarter strongest turning over ball on the first whistle, this allowed them to regain their four goal lead from earlier in the game. A defensive turnover for Mavericks saw the deficit reach six (47-41). Leota made her first changes with Zoe Davies entering the game at goal defence, Michelle Magee moving into the wing defence position, Cassie Howard picking up the centre bib and Caroline O’Hanlon moving into the wing attack role. Mavericks dominated the final minutes of the game creating turnovers and forcing errors, this saw the game end 53-44 in favour to hosts Saracens Mavericks.

Leeds Rhinos currently sit bottom of the table with two out of two defeats, but look forward to their first home game of the 2024 season next weekend when we take on Cardiff Dragons at Sheffield's, Canon Medical Arena.