By Saskia Holland

Leeds Rhinos travelled to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool to take on Lexis Nexis Dragons in their round 11 clash. After a closely fought game, the home side came out on top, 68-62. 
 
Paige Reed was the first to add to the scoreboard following an NIC Leeds Rhinos centre pass. A footwork call in the centre third against Rhinos allowed Dragons to gain the advantage, 3-2. Momentum was gained by Dragons, going 7-3 up after 5 minutes. Harriet Jones made a turnover followed by some impressive ball skill to keep in her possession, which she then finished with a goal. 2 supershots in a row for Paige Reed bought the scoreline back to 1, 13-12. A turnover for Leeds Rhinos followed by a supershot for Jones meant the quarter finished 16-18. 
 
The second quarter got underway with a goal for Dragons, closing the Rhinos lead to 1 goal. Both teams remained unscathed until a centre pass error for Rhinos allowed Dragons to go level 27-27. A three second call against Bella Baylis meant Dragons were 29-27 up going into the supershot period. Leeds Rhinos made their first change with Marlene Lange picking up the GK bib. An impressive rebound for Sanmarie Visser was unfortunately lost by her team in the centre third and Dragons were able to convert for double points. Dragons were denied a final goal after Lange took an intercept in their defensive circle.
 
Dragons came out fighting in the second half, pushing their lead out to 5, 40-35. A contact call was made in favour of NIC Leeds Rhinos, with Jones finishing with ease to close Dragons lead.  The ball was in possession of Dragons when the supershot buzzer rang, and nothing could stop Niamh McCall from sinking her shot. Dragons were then the side to deny the ball into the NIC Leeds Rhinos circle, and then securing another 2 points. Lange was able to disrupt their momentum, and Jones helped the side by converting 2 supershots. Amid a series of double pointers for Jones, Dragons were able to respond in the same way. Defensive pressure forced a turnover but with time running out, Leeds Rhinos were unable to secure the final goal. 
 
The final quarter began with a turnover for Lange to draw the scores at 53-53. Dragons gained confidence and pushed the score out to 58-54 before a tactical time out was called by NIC Leeds Rhinos. We were unable to pick up a point after finishing 68-62. 
 
The side go again at home next week where NIC Leeds Rhinos take on AO Manchester Thunder in Sheffield at the Canon Medical Arena on Friday 15th May.