NIC Leeds Rhinos Netball 43 Loughborough Lightning 70

By Saskia Holland

NIC Leeds Rhinos first home game of the season saw them take on Loughborough Lightning at the Canon Medical Arena. After a level first quarter, the visitors took the win 43-70.
 
Bella Baylis took the first centre pass and Simone Gordon added the first goal of the day 1-0. An early turnover for Leeds Rhinos gave them the first advantage 4-1. Scores were drawn level again after Gordon was unable to control the feed into the circle. Paige Reed started off the supershot period with a 2 pointer closely followed by Ella Clark for Loughborough Lightning, 11-9. Lightnings consistent supershots saw scores draw level 17-17 at quarter time. 
 
Sanmarie Visser intercepted Loughborough’s possession to start the second quarter but Lightning quickly won the ball back. Both teams picked up momentum in defence with turnovers for both sides which kept the score level at 20-20. Lightning were 1 goal ahead going into the supershot period and powered through the final 5 minutes finishing 24-37.
 
Lightning kicked the second half off and goals were scored for both sides. Loughborough continued to charge through, taking turnovers to goal to extend their lead 26-45. Leeds Rhinos called a tactical timeout, Yomi Wilson and Harriet Jones entered the court in their respective positions. Harriets re-entry to court saw Rhinos add 8 goals to the board. 
 
Niamh Kilgallen entered the court with the WD bib and Cassie Howard into Centre. Jess Shaw took the ball from Leeds Rhinos on the centre pass, but Jaz Brown regained possession, and Jones was able to finish with a shot from distance. Baylis impressively kept the ball in court into the arms of Jones who scored from distance. The supershot buzzer went and Lightning continued to extend their lead 41-68. Visser took a clean turnover on Lightnings centre pass followed by a supershot for Reed, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. The game finished 43-70 to the visitors. 
 
We take on Nottingham Forest away next Sunday (15th March) before playing Lexisnexis Dragons back home at the Canon Medical Arena on the 20th March.