By Saskia Holland 

NIC Leeds Rhinos travelled down the road to take on Manchester Thunder in the first derby game of the season. After a close game, Manchester Thunder pushed out in the final quarter taking the win 71-57.

Cassie Howard got the game underway, with Harriet Jones sinking the opening goal. Elmere Van de Berg responded quickly to level the score at 1–1, but Thunder seized control soon after, capitalising on a turnover in mid-court to edge ahead 5–3.

Geva Mentor intercepted cleanly in the circle, but the ball was lost in attack, allowing Thunder to regain possession and convert off their centre pass.

As the quarter progressed, Thunder found their rhythm and began to stretch their lead, forcing Rhinos onto the back foot. A timeout just before the supershot period for Manchester Thunder saw the home side regroup and return with the first two points of the game.
Joyce Mvula missed a crucial attempt, sending the ball out of court, but Mentor came to the rescue once again, winning back possession. Mvula made no mistake second time around, scoring a one-point goal.

With time ticking down, Rhinos pushed for a final shot but ran out of seconds, leaving the scoreboard at 19–13 in favour of the home side at the end of the first quarter.

Rhinos kicked off the second quarter with an early turnover, but the opportunity slipped away as the ball went over the backline. A strong, combined defensive effort soon paid off and Joyce Mvula calmly added another goal to close the gap to 22–17.

Thunder responded with intense defensive pressure, but Rhinos stayed composed. Working the ball patiently, the attack broke through into the circle, and Mvula was once again on target.

As the supershot period began, it was Thunder who held the ball. They took the safer one-point option for their first attempt. Despite Rhinos' determined efforts, the hosts maintained their momentum, heading into halftime with a 33–28 lead.

Steady goals from both sides began the second half, with a fly intercept from Mentor pushing Rhinos closer to Thunders score. Thunder powered through the quarter with numerous turnovers converted by their shooters. A change was made with Rosie Harris taking the centre bib. The supershot period began with Thunder in the circle who opted for a one pointer. Jones sunk the first two pointer followed by another 4 points to bring the game back to 4 (47-43). Mvula sank the final goal of the quarter resulting in us entering the final 15 minutes behind by 5 (50-45).

A breaking call against Jones found Thunder taking an advantage but Cassie Howard forced the ball off Amy Carter and Mvula was able to sink the
shot. Harris took the ball from Thunder on the circle edge with a smooth down court attack finding the shooters. Jones took a two pointer with Mentor picking up the rebound the other end. However, misses from Mvula and Jones saw Thunder with the ball in hand and Ella Bowen picking up a warning in defence. Thunder charged until the end with numerous super shots for Van de Berg ending the game 71-57.