Leeds Rhinos Netball 65 Team Bath 50

By Tyler-Sue Chapman

Leeds Rhinos charged to victory (65-50) at Sheffield’s Canon Medical Arena when they faced a hungry and tenacious Team Bath. Amy Braithwaite returned to the matchday twelve for the first time after injury and Millie Veevers remained part of the twelve with Emma Magee being ruled out with injury. Celyn Emmanuel earned herself the start at the wing attack (WA) position.

Geva Mentor gained ball from the visitors first centre pass, quick hands and vision in attack saw the Rhinos earn an early two goal lead. Joyce Mvula proved strong under the post scoring the home sides first six goals. Mentor gained a backline which the Rhinos converted and a breaking call against Bath allowed the Rhinos to extend their lead. Another rebound was caught by Mentor, Emmanuel and Harriet Jones combined well as the home side reached a six-goal advantage with three minutes remaining in the first quarter. Vision and precision from Emmanuel and Jones resulted in the Rhinos entering the first break five goals ahead, 20-15.

A rare miss from Mvula under the post and fumbles from both sides saw Team bath score the first goal a minute and a half into the second quarter. Tight defensive pressure from the defensive trio of Mentor, (Zoe) Davies and (Michelle) Magee forced Bath into a trio of errors; solidified combinations in attack saw these converted and the lead reached six. A run of goals for the visitors added pressure to the Rhinos as the gap reduced to just three goals with four minutes remaining on the clock for the second half. Errors from Bath allowed the Rhinos to enter the half time break with a six-goal advantage, 33-27. 

Caroline O’Hanlon entered the game in the centre position as the second half got underway. Amelia Hall also entered the game in the goal attack position.  The slight adjustment to the on court seven proved successful as the Rhinos reached a 12-goal advantage. Mentor and Davies combined to create a turnover, but Team Bath mirrored the defensive efforts as the game remained at twelve. A nock to Zoe Davies saw a reshuffle in defence with Sarah MacPhail entering the game at wing defence (WD) pushing M.Magee into the goal defence (GD) position. Rhinos showed confidence throughout the court and charged to an advantage of 15 goals as they entered the last break, 51-36.

Sarah MacPhail gained a deflection which resulted in another goal for the Rhinos. The defensive efforts of the new defensive trio on court proved to be a successful combination for head coach Liana Leota as her sides lead continued to grow. M.Magee left the court with injury which saw the return of Davies in GD. Rhinos remained resilient but patient play from both sides saw the game end 65-50 in favour of the Rhinos.

Leeds Rhinos return to the road as they face Surrey Storm in round 15 away at Surrey Sports Park as the chase for the final four continues.