Rhinos Netball 56 Severn Stars 61

By Saskia Holland

Leeds Rhinos took on Severn Stars at home in Huddersfield for their round 16 fixture of the Netball Super League. After a fiercely competed game from both sides, the visitors took the win 56-61. 
 
Severn Stars started with the first centre pass, a contact by Cassie Howard on the circle edge meant Stars were first to add to the scoreboard. Michelle Magee picked up a ball in the defence third which allowed Leeds Rhinos to gain an early advantage. Amelia Hall put up her first following a baseline drive to receive the ball from Howard. An injury for Zoe Davies meant Sarah MacPhail entered the court at WD and Magee moved into GD. Howard was forced to play the ball to the third line but Jessica Shaw got her hands on it and Stars were able to go level (12-12). The guest were leading 15-16 at the quarter break.
 
Zoe Davies re-entered the court in the GD bib and an early intercept for Magee on the centre pass meant we went ahead (18-17). An attacking contact for Joyce Mvula gave Severn Stars the turnover they needed to turn over the advantage (20-21). A feed from Howard was picked up by Jas Brown and Stars went 3 ahead after goes for Sigi Burger (22-25). An interception for Davies excited the crowd was finished by Mvula. Harriet Jones replaced Amelia Hall with the GA bib and made immediate impact with her feed into Mvula. 
 
The first half finished 31-31 after a fierce fight from both sides. Stars were the first to get the turnover after 5 minutes of the quarter. Stars continued to feed into Burger and maintained their 2 goal lead with both sides finding it difficult to win ball. The crowd roared after Geva Mentor won ball however, a footwork call against Harriet Jones gave the possession back to Stars. An intercept for Stars in the final 10 seconds was unable to be converted and the 3rd quarter ended in favour of the visitors, 45-48.
 
A missed shot from Burger was picked up by Mentor and a further turnover was made to bring the game back level (49-49). A close 5 minutes with both teams converting off their centre passes was then disrupted when a short pass was called against Rhinos and the scores were back to level (53-53). A turnover for Stars then gave them the momentum to push on and win the game by 5, 56-61. 
 
Next week we are on the road for our final away game of the season, against Cardiff Dragons at the Utilita Arena.