By Tyler-Sue Chapman

Photo Credits Hayley Bavin

NIC Leeds Rhinos traveled to the capital to face London Pulse for the second time in the 2026 season with the home side taking the victory 65-44. 

Maia Bausor, Sasha Howard and Orlaith Rogers entered the match day ten as temporary replacement players with Cassie Howard out for the rest of the season and with Sanmarie Visser and captain Paige Reed missing the round with the hope to return to the squad for round 9.

Simone Gordon slotted away the first goal of the fixture but it was the home side who took the first advantage with the first intercept on the second Rhinos centre pass. Big defensive efforts from the defensive unit of Wilson and Lange saw the Rhinos enter the first Amex super shot period level with the home side at 9 a piece. Vision into the circle for both sides saw the Rhinos trailing by just the one point at the first break 14-13.

Baylis got the second quarter underway the the Rhinos re-levelled the game at 14 all. Missed shots and unforced errors saw the home pull away to a seven goal advantage which caused hesitation in the Rhinos through court. Harriet Jones ended the drought by sinking an Amex super shot which resulted in the Rhinos entering the half time break nine goals behind 31-22.

Sasha Howard entered the game at goal defence for the start of the second half. Niamh Killgallen created a turnover on the circle edge but errors down the court saw Pulse regain possession and add to their tally. Missed shots gave the home side opportunities to pull away further but the advantage was ten at the final break 45-35.

London Pulse showed their confidence and increased their advantage at the start of the final 15. Lauren Palmer used a tactical timeout to communicate with her side and shortly after Orlaith Rogers entered the court for her Netball Super League debut at goal shooter. With the difference out to 20 goals Jones sank a super shot and at the next centre pass Maia Bausor entered the game at wing defence for her Super League debut. Rogers sank a super super shot to conclude the rhinos scoring and the game ended 65-44 to the home side. 

NIC Leeds Rhinos return to Sheffield's Canon Medical Arena this Friday (April 24th) at 7pm to play Nottingham Forest.

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