Match Report | NIC Leeds Rhinos 51 LexisNexis Dragons 62

By Tyler-Sue Chapman

NIC Leeds Rhinos suffer an eleven goal defeat to the LexisNexis Dragons after a tenacious game.

NIC Leeds Rhinos returned home for round 4 of the Netball Super League where they took on LexisNexis Dragons. The visitors got the game underway but Cassie Howard got an early tip and gained the Rhinos possession. Harriet Jones sank a shot from range which kept the scores level at 5 a piece. Dragons took the first advantage and doubled the Rhinos score 5-10. The super shot buzzer sounded but Paige Reed and Jones combined in the circle to slot away the ones reducing the deficit at the first break to just 2, 12-14. 

A strong start to the second quarter saw the Rhinos re-level the game at 14 all. Possession flipped between both sides but the score remained level for some time. Rhinos defence battled hard and forced a held ball which saw the home side take advantage 20-19. However a strong super shot period from the Dragons saw them double their lead to 4 entering half time 24-28. 

Lauren Palmer made one change entering the second half with Bella Baylis taking to court in the centre position. Goals came in quick succession for the visitors as they reached a ten goal advantage. The Rhinos called a tactical timeout to regroup with over 8 minutes left on the clock for quarter 3. Rhinos returned to court firing adding three consecutive goals to the score board but the Dragons held on to a 9 goal advantage at the sound of the super shot buzzer. Captain Reed slotted away two consecutive super shots and Jones added to her super shot tally but it was the visitors who extended the advantage entering the final break of play, 38-50. 

Cassie Howard returned to the court for the final quarter accompanied by her sister Sasha Howard who picked up the goal defence bib for her Super League debut. After a few minutes of play Palmer added Simone Gordon into the game at goal shooter. Quick hands from the Rhinos mid-court saw the deficit reduce to 10 but the Dragons kept the scoreboard ticking despite tight defensive pressure from the Rhinos defensive unit. Howard's defensive efforts were rewarded as Gordon sank a shot from range. Jones returned to court at goal attack for the super shot period with Reed moving to goal shooter. Defensive efforts from the Rhinos saw them earn possession but it wasn’t enough to turn the game with the visitors leaving with the win 51-62