Sirens Netball 44 Leeds Rhinos Netball 55

By Tyler-Sue Chapman

Liana Leota’s Rhinos side travelled to Glasgow for their round 10 clash against Strathclyde Sirens. After a ferocious 60 minutes from both sides the Rhinos took the win 44-55. Caroline O’Hanlon and Zoe Davies were both ruled out of the fixture due to injury. Millie Veevers remained part of the match day squad with training partner Paige Kindred entering the 12.

Amy Braithwaite started the game at goal shooter, Emma Magee with the goal attack bib and Sarah MacPhail at wing defence. Early defensive pressure from the Rhinos units allowed them to create an early three goal lead. The game then paused for a short period of time as Emma Magee took a fall and Harriet Jones moved into goal attack whilst Magee received treatment on the sideline. 

Errors from the home side allowed the Rhinos to reach a five goal lead. Tight defensive pressure from Geva Mentor and Michelle Magee saw the Rhinos to charge ahead and extend their lead. Braithwaite held the backspace and baseline and was dominant within the circle giving her side confidence. The Rhinos ended the first quarter eight goals ahead 10-18.

Emma Magee returned to the court at GA for the start of the second quarter. Sirens showed clear intentions but the attacking efforts of Amelia Hall and Cassie Howard were rewarded as the gap remained at eight. Errors from the Rhinos allowed Sirens to gain momentum, Braithwaite fell to the floor and play was paused as she was assisted off the court, Joyce Mvula entered the game in the GS position. Mentor and Michelle Magee earned more ball in defence, this saw the Rhinos lead extend out to double digits. At the half time break the Rhinos were ahead by 12 goals (19-31).

Celyn Emanuel entered the game at wing attack and Cassie Howard commenced the second half. Despite patient and confident passages of play errors occurred from the Rhinos and Sirens converted each opportunity. Mentor and Michelle Magee halted Sirens momentum and forced a missed shot, however the home side remained calm and played to the chants of the crowd. Millie Veevers then entered the game at centre with Howard moving to wing defence. Sirens ended the their quarter with a shot on the buzzer which meant the gap was just seven (35-42)

Both sides showed desire to win the fixture as it took over a minute for the first goal of the final quarter to land. Sirens took strength and confidence from their home crowd and gained momentum from each battle on the court. Mvula was forced to drive out to the transverse before the Rhinos could get a shot away. Errors from the Rhinos gave the Sirens opportunity however a stellar intercept from Howard allowed the Rhinos to maintain a sufficient gap. Paige Kindred entered the game at GD with a few minutes left on the clock. Play then took a lengthy pause after an inflight collision resulted in Emma Magee landing on the court with impact. Harriet Jones filled the goal attack bib once play was resumed. The Rhinos ended the game with an 11 goal win, 44-55.

Updates in regards to players injuries from this fixture will be given in due course. After a trio of away fixtures the Rhinos return home to Yorkshire for round 11 of the Netball Super League. They take on reigning champions Loughborough Lightning at Leeds' first direct Arena on April 28th. Tickets can be purchased for this game via https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk...