By Tyler-Sue Chapman

Leeds Rhinos faced Manchester Thunder in a physical on court battle in the first northern derby of the 2024 season. Reaching the mid point of the season with just three wins under their belt, Rhinos suffered defeat 67-37 against a dominant Manchester Thunder. Millie Veevers returned to the matchday twelve with Caroline O’Hanlon being ruled out due to injury for another week.

Thunder got the game underway and converted to earn their first goal in just 12 seconds. An early error from Rhinos saw the ball fly off the backline but a footwork call went against Thunder allowing Joyce Mvula to put it through the net. Both sides made errors and possession switched between both sides for a couple of minutes before Thunder settled themselves and created a small lead, 6-3. Harriet Jones entered the game at goal attack (GA) with just over six minutes of play remaining in the quarter. Amelia Hall was confident feeding the ball into Mvula which saw the visitors reduce the gap back to three, 9-6. The Rhinos struggled to combat the tenacious efforts of Thunder which saw them enter the first break nine goals behind, 16-7.

Leota made changes to her on court seven for the start of the second quarter with Michelle Magee moving to goal defence (GD), Cassie Howard moving down the court into the wind defence (WD) position and Celyn Emanuel entering the game at centre (C). Howard made instant impact in her new position and earned ball in Thunders attacking third. Rhinos were called for footwork on a couple of occasions and Thunder also made errors resulting in just five goals being scored within six minutes. Five minutes remained on the clock as Jones netted another long range shot, despite the home sides lead now being eleven (24–13) Rhinos were still striving for victory. Manchester Thunder continued their charge and entered the half time break eleven goals ahead, 27-16.

Leota made further changes for the second half of the game with Emanuel moving into the wing attack (WA) position, Howard moving back to C and Sarah MacPhail entering the game at WD. Rhinos new attacking unit settled quickly and the Rhinos found Mvula and Jones easier than earlier in the game. Thunder remained dominant but an intercept from Howard followed by an intercept from MacPhail brought confidence to the Rhinos. Quick hands from Thunder and errors from the Rhinos gifting their opposition with ball saw the gap grow towards the latter minutes of the quarter. Mentor picked up a rebound with under a minute remaining but the Rhinos couldn’t hold onto the ball and Thunder added another. (44-25)

Zoe Davies returned to the on court seven in the GD position for the start of the final 15 alongside Hall who picked up the WA bib back up. Rhinos gained possession and took a run of two goals before Thunder added their first of the quarter. Impressive defensive efforts from Rhinos were rewarded but errors in alternative areas of the court and dominant possession from Thunder meant the difference in score remain the same. An issue with the roof paused play with just over five minutes remaining on the clock. Play got back underway and Thunders Imogen Allison earned herself a turnover allowing the home side to extend their lead even further. Rhinos finish the quarter with a missed shot meaning that the home side were victorious 67-37.

Leeds Rhinos face the Strathclyde Sirens next weekend (April 19th) at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow. The Rhinos return home to Yorkshire and the iconic Leeds first direct arena on April 28th when they take on current super league champions Loughborough Lightning, tickets are available by CLICKING HERE