By Tyler-Sue Chapman

Rhinos made it back to back wins for the first time this season when they charged to victory in another tight contest against Severn Stars in round 19 of the Netball Super League.

Both sides converted their own centre passes for the first couple of minutes before former Rhinos player Sigi Burger put two consecutive goals through the net to give the home side the lead, 4-2.

Elle McDonald remained patient under the pressure from Stars’ centre Ruth Hughes  and eventually found Ellie Bird home alone under the post after Paige Reed cleared the circle and she made it 7-6.

Stars took a run of goals to create a five goal lead, 13-8. Reed then turned over a Stars centre pass which she popped through the net, but it was still the home side who held the lead, 14-10.

Just one minute remained of the first quarter, Ellie Bird slotted two goals to reduce the deficit to four goals, 16-12.

Rhinos started the second quarter with clear intent, quickly adding three onto the board which brought the game to just two goals.

Five consecutive goals allowed Rhinos to level the game up at 17 all with just over 10 minutes remaining of the first half.

A turnover from Nia Jones and some patient play from the attacking unit saw the Rhinos take the lead for the first time of the game, 21-19.

Stars made it difficult for Rhinos to extend their lead as the ball was moving between both sides and the game remained at one goal the difference 25-24.

A combined effort from Jones and Vicki Oyesola gave Rhinos possession, after Bird put it through the net the lead was with the visitors 27-31 with just over a minute to go.

Rhinos entered the half time break with a three-goal buffer after an impressive second quarter 32-29.

Five minutes into the second half and Rhinos were still in possession of a three goal lead, 35-38.

Stars earned a sideline and after converting from it as well as their centre pass the game was back level at 38 a piece.

Michelle Magee made an important interception on a Stars centre pass, Bird finished it off and on the next centre pass after travelling up and down the court it fell through the Rhinos net, 43-40.

Just one minute remained of quarter three as McDonald created a turnover, Rhinos took it to goal but their own centre pass didn’t fall through the net, time just allowed Burger to add one more for Stars to keep the game at one goal entering the final break.

Stars took the first centre of the final quarter, Oyesola takes a turnover but Stars regain possession further down the court, the game then returned level at 45-45.

Magee read play well and turned over ball from the feed into the circle, Reed put Rhinos next centre through the net and the lead was back with Rhinos 46-49. However it only took one minute before Stars re-levelled the game.

Oyesola held off Burger to take the space under the post, this resulted in Oyesola coming out with possession, Rhinos were then out to a five goal lead 49-54, with just over five minutes left of the game.

Brie Grierson entered the game at goal Attack with just two minutes left on the clock and helped set up Bird who slotted the ball through the net to give the Rhinos a 56-51 lead.

Jones put her body on the line and came out with the ball with just 40 seconds left on the clock, Bird finished it off with a goal as well as putting through the next centre pass, 59-52.

Rhinos now sit eighth in the league table after tonight’s win, with just one more game to play in the regular season. 

 Replacements: Abi Caple, Rachael Fee, Jess Haynes, Lily Smith, Kelsie Taylor

Replacements: Amy Braithwaite, Brie Grierson, Rosie Harris, Michelle Magee, Millie Sanders