Match Report | Soft and Gentle Super Cup 2026

Game 1: NIC Leeds Rhinos vs. AO Manchester Thunder

The opening match of the day saw NIC Leeds Rhinos face off against AO Manchester Thunder in an intense, fast-paced contest. Thunder struck first, despite Cassie Howard’s early tip on the ball, taking a 1-0 lead. However, Harriet Jones quickly leveled the score for the Rhinos, making it 1-1.

The match was evenly balanced as the teams exchanged goals. Paige Reed put the Rhinos ahead with the first Amex supershot of the match, making it 2-4, but Thunder responded with a well-placed shot to bring it back to 4-4. At half-time, the Rhinos held a 5-7 lead.

The second half saw the Rhinos pick up the pace, scoring the first two goals, making it 7-9. Thunder responded with an Amex supershot to close the gap, 9-13. However, the Rhinos regained possession, and with solid defensive play, Paige Reed scored another Amex supershot to seal the game. The Rhinos held on to win 16-9, securing a strong start to the day.

Game 2: NIC Leeds Rhinos vs. London Mavericks
The second match of the day saw a confident start from the Rhinos, with Paige Reed opening the scoring at 1-0. A contact violation from the Mavericks allowed the Rhinos to extend their lead to 3-0. An early Amex supershot from Harriet Jones boosted the Rhinos to a 5-1 advantage. Reed added another to make it 4-9 as the Mavericks began to claw back into the game.

The half-time score stood at 4-9 in favor of Rhinos, but the Mavericks fought hard in the second half, closing the gap. Jones managed to net another Amex supershot, extending the lead to 12-7. However, the Mavericks responded, making it 13-11 with only moments to spare. In a dramatic finish, the Mavericks scored another Amex supershot in the final seconds, leveling the score at 13-13. The match ended in a draw, 13-13, leaving both teams with one point each.

Game 3: NIC Leeds Rhinos vs. London Pulse
The Rhinos faced a tough challenge in their third game of the day against London Pulse. Pulse capitalized on an early turnover and scored quickly, leading 1-0. They extended their lead to 2-0 before Paige Reed got the Rhinos on the scoreboard at 2-1. Reed followed up with another goal, but Pulse kept the pressure on, maintaining a 3-2 lead.

Both teams then exchanged Amex supershots, with Harriet Jones contributing for the Rhinos, but Pulse matched them shot for shot. The first half ended with the Rhinos leading 9-6, thanks to some solid attacking play.

However, the second half saw Pulse come back strong, and after both teams traded supershots, the score was tied at 11-11 in the final moments of the match. In the dying seconds, Pulse hit one final Amex supershot to take the lead and secure a 13-11 victory, ending the Rhinos' run in this match.

Semi-Final: NIC Leeds Rhinos vs. Loughborough Lightning
In the semi-final, the Rhinos faced Loughborough Lightning. The match began with a debut goal from NXT Gen talent Orlaith Rogers, putting the Rhinos 1-0 up. Paige Reed's shooting ensured a strong start, extending the Rhinos' lead to 3-0. Loughborough quickly responded, pulling level at 4-4, before a Amex supershot gave Lightning a narrow 6-5 lead at half-time.

The second half saw more competitive play, but Loughborough edged ahead with another Amex supershot, taking a 13-7 lead. Despite a valiant effort from Paige Reed, who scored an Amex supershot to make it 13-9, the Rhinos were unable to close the gap. Loughborough Lightning held on to win 13-9, securing a place in the final and ending NIC Leeds Rhinos' Super Cup journey at the semi-final stage.

Injury Update:
During the game against London Pulse, Harriet Jones sustained a head injury but was immediately assessed by the Rhinos' medical team. She was able to leave the court under her own power and will continue to be monitored throughout the week. Further updates on her condition will be provided as they become available.

Photo Credits: Ben Lumley