NIC Leeds Rhinos faced a tough test on the road against AO Manchester Thunder, with the home side ultimately securing a 63–49 victory in a fast-paced and physical contest.

The Rhinos started brightly, earning the first centre pass and working the ball into the circle, but were unable to convert their opening chance. Thunder quickly capitalised, with Sophie Fawns and Lois Pearson combining well early on to establish momentum. A quick-fire start saw Thunder race into a 4–0 lead before Paige Reed opened the Rhinos’ account, after a well-worked move involving Bella Baylis.

Despite some scrappy passages of play, Thunder maintained control for much of the first quarter. However, the Rhinos found rhythm late on, particularly during the Amex Supershot period. Strong link-up play from Harriet Jones set up Reed in the two-point zone, while Jones herself converted a crucial Amex Supershot to keep the Rhinos within touching distance. Thunder responded, and the quarter closed at 16–12.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with Thunder edging ahead through consistent shooting and strong defensive pressure. Lois Pearson continued to be influential under the post, helping extend the lead. NIC Leeds Rhinos, showed resilience. Reed and Harriet Jones combined effectively in attack, while defensive efforts from Marlene Lange and Yomi Wilson helped disrupt Thunder’s flow.

A key moment came when Niamh Kilgallen produced a clever tip from the centre pass to regain possession, though the Rhinos were unable to convert the opportunity. Defensive pressure restricted Thunder’s scoring, allowing the Rhinos to close the gap heading into half-time, trailing 29–24.

The third quarter proved decisive. Although Jones and Reed initially kept the Rhinos in contention, Thunder found another gear. Eleanor Cardwell led the charge with a clinical shooting display, supported by slick ball movement through court. Despite a standout interception from Lange, which led to a Rhinos Amex Supershot, Thunder’s consistency during this phase saw them extend their advantage to 46–38 by the end of the third quarter.

Heading into the final period, the Rhinos showed determination to fight back. Within the opening five minutes, they had reduced the deficit to six goals at 49-43, demonstrating improved cohesion through court. However, crucial turnovers in midcourt and costly contact penalties in the defensive third stunted their attempt to chase Thunder.

Thunder punished these errors efficiently, with Cardwell continuing her strong performance and contributions from across the court maintaining scoreboard pressure. A two-point effort from Pearson on the Supershot buzzer further stretched the lead to 56-45 and despite a late Supershot from Reed, the result was beyond doubt.

The match concluded with Thunder's Cardwell adding a final Amex Supershot on the hooter  to seal a 63–49 victory. While the Rhinos showed glimpses of quality, particularly in patches of defensive intensity and during the Amex Supershot periods, they were ultimately undone by Thunder’s consistency and clinical shooting.

NIC Leeds Rhinos are back on the road next week to face London Pulse at the Copperbox Arena in a huge test in the capital. 

Photo Credits - Max Young