Match Report | NIC Leeds Rhinos 66 - London Mavericks 71

By Tyler-Sue Chapman

NIC Leeds Rhinos suffered agonising extra-time defeat in a thriller as they faced London Mavericks at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield for their round 10 clash in the Netball Super League.
 
Visitors, London Mavericks were quick out the block as they slotted the first three goals of the game. Joyce Mvula held her own under the post for the Rhinos as the game levelled up at 6 all. Mavericks were the first side to slot away a super shot, but Jones and Mvula got themselves involved keeping toe to toe with the visitors. Mavericks entered the first break just one point ahead 13-14.
 
Again, it was the visitors who started the strongest at the beginning of the second quarter. Mavericks gained momentum and as the super shot buzzer sounded with 5 minutes left on the clock, they held a four-goal advantage. Rosie Harris then entered the game at the centre position. Time denied the Rhinos of slotting a shot away resulting in them reaching the half time break six-goals behind 26-32. 
 
NIC Leeds Rhinos showed great intentions, but it was the visitors who charged ahead and created a nine-goal advantage, which forced the home side into a tactical timeout with 11 minutes left to play in quarter three. Cassie Howard dominated the court picking up ball left, right and centre not only giving the home side possession but confidence too; it was this performance that earned her sky sports experience Kissimmee player of the match award. Mvula slot away super shot after super shot, with one falling through after time on a penalty giving the home side the advantage entering the final 15 (47-46).
 
Howard turned over ball early doors for the home side, but the Rhinos struggled to transition down the court. Possession transitioned between both sides before the Mavericks took their tactical time out with six minutes of play remaining. The Rhinos had an impressive period of play to end the game, however the score was level 59-59, which forced the game to two extra five minutes periods of play. 
 
After 10 minutes of extra time it was the visitors London Mavericks who took the win 66-71. 
 
NIC Leeds Rhinos attention now turns to Manchester Thunder who they face next Sunday 25th May at Leeds First Direct arena, tickets are still available here