By Saskia Holland

The final game of the season saw Leeds Rhinos take on Nottingham Forest at the Motorpoint Arena. After a strong start from the Rhinos, Forest pushed the win, ending 80-61.

Leeds Rhinos began the match with the opening centre pass, and Joyce Mvula made an immediate impact by converting the first goal. Harriet Jones missed an early attempt, and Tash Pavelin took the rebound. The defensive unit stood tall and turned the ball over and allowed Mvula to score again. A key turnover by Cassie Howard, secured by Geva Mentor, was worked confidently down the court, ending once more with Mvula. Jess Haynes intercepted Nottingham Forest’s centre pass, giving Mvula the chance to extend the lead 12-6. Despite some late pressure, super shots from Jones ended the first quarter 18-13 in Leeds Rhinos' favour.

The second quarter began steadily, with both teams settling into the rhythm. Forest missed an early opportunity, and Mvula remained clinical under the post. However, a series of turnovers allowed Forest to claw back, levelling the scores at 25-25. Rolene found her range from long distance, hitting a super shot to give Forest a narrow lead (29-26), though Mvula quickly responded (29-28). A strong rebound by Mentor kept Rhinos in it, levelling the score again at 31-31. Just before halftime, Rolene struck once more with a super shot, sending Nottingham Forest into the break 36-32 ahead.

Leeds Rhinos came out fighting in the third quarter, capitalising on turnovers to reduce the deficit to just one (37-36). A held ball call against Rhea Dixon allowed Rhinos to equalise at 37-37. Nottingham Forest's Jayda Pechova then produced a key turnover, sparking a surge that put the home side ahead by three. Mvula answered with a super shot, but Forest replied instantly. A missed Leeds opportunity was punished, and a flurry of super shots from Rolene saw Forest pull away dramatically, taking a 16-goal lead into the final quarter (61-45).

Sophie Egbaran entered the game at goal attack for the final 15 minutes but struggled to find control, with Forest capitalising on the turnover. Despite a rare miss from Rolene, the Rhinos defence couldn’t maintain possession. A tactical timeout with 12 minutes remaining helped steady the game, with both sides trading goals from their centre passes. A forced held ball by the Rhinos was converted by Mvula, and Jones returned to make an immediate impact with a super shot. However, Nottingham Forest claimed a convincing 80-61 win after a good contest.