Match Report | London Pulse 73 NIC Leeds Rhinos 50

By Saskia Holland

Leeds Rhinos travelled down to take on London Pulse at the Copper Box Arena in their round 12 game of the Netball Super league. After a hard fought game, London Pulse took the win 73-50. 
 
The home side were the first to add to the scoreboard, going 2-0 up in the first 2 minutes. A turnover for the Rhinos was soon claimed back by London Pulse. Joyce Mvula put the first goal on the board after 3 minutes for Rhinos. Sophie Kelly continued to sink her shots following turnovers from her side, pushing a 12-5 lead. Harriet Jones was the first to score a supershot, closely followed by Sophie Kelly for the home side. After a dominant performance from the home side, a 24-11 lead bought them into the second quarter. 
 
A calmer Leeds Rhinos side started the second quarter, with a centre third feed from Jess Haynes reaching Mvula in the circle. London Pulse continued to show their skill, soaring 34-18 ahead. Missed shots for Sophie Egbaran, who entered the court in the GA position, were utilised by Pulse in their attacking end. 
 
No changes were made for Lauren Palmer's side going in to the second half, but Ashleigh Dekker soon re-entered the court to replace Beth Brittain in the WA bib. An impressive turnover for Cassie Howard was then converted for two points from Mvula as the supershot period began. Despite turnovers for Leeds Rhinos in the final minutes of the quarter, the home side were able to charge ahead, 54-36 going into the final 15 minutes. 
 
Leeds Rhinos came out fighting in the final quarter, taking turnovers to goal. Unforced errors such as breaking shifted the momentum back to Pulse, but Mvula continued to put up her shots when given the chance. Meg Allen entered the court in GK, to make her debut for the side. After a tough 60 minutes, London Pulse took the win 73-50.
 
Leeds Rhinos return home next weekend for the final time this season, to face Cardiff Dragons.

Photo Credits Josh Le Feuvre