Donnell Wallam shoots Leeds Rhinos to double over Strathclyde Sirens

Dominant Leeds Rhinos leapfrogged Strathclyde Sirens in the Superleague table with this win and now sit just six points off the play-off spots.
On target: Leeds Rhinos' Donnell Wallam. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for Vitality Netball Superleague)On target: Leeds Rhinos' Donnell Wallam. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for Vitality Netball Superleague)
On target: Leeds Rhinos' Donnell Wallam. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for Vitality Netball Superleague)

Dominant Leeds Rhinos leapfrogged Strathclyde Sirens in the Superleague table with this win and now sit just six points off the play-off spots.

Both sides were looking to make it back-to-back wins at the Copper Box Arena, with Sirens missing the impressive Towera Vinkhumbo from the starting seven after she picked up a slight injury.

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Dan Ryan’s side were looking to do the double over the Sirens, after ending their four-game unbeaten run earlier in the season. Rhinos started lively, at times making it difficult for the Sirens to gain possession.

Play-off bid: Leeds Rhinos netball head coach Dan Ryan.  Picture Tony JohnsonPlay-off bid: Leeds Rhinos netball head coach Dan Ryan.  Picture Tony Johnson
Play-off bid: Leeds Rhinos netball head coach Dan Ryan. Picture Tony Johnson

Ryan made a tactical substitution early on in the game, with Vicki Oyesola being replaced by Paige Kindred and the first quarter ended 17-13 in favour of Rhinos, with Donnell Wallam scoring 15 of the goals.

Rhinos dominated the second quarter, with a couple of excellent interceptions by Keenan enabling Rhinos to counter-attack. They led the Sirens 35-26 as the first half drew to a close, with Karen Atkinson’s side looking to prevent the feed into Wallam in the second half.

Sirens started the third quarter looking to reduce the goal deficit and haul themselves back into the game. Vinkhumbo was brought on with five minutes left of the quarter, trying to apply more pressure on Wallam within the inner circle. Quick releases from Jade Clarke made it even more difficult for Sirens to defend. At the other end, Emma Barrie maintained her high shot conversion. The third quarter ended 56-38, with Wallam’s making an emphatic shot on the claxon.

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Dixon came on for Rushton in the fourth quarter as Ryan’s side continued working hard for possession to the end whistle.

Keenan again read the game exceptionally well.

Leeds Rhinos are back in action on Monday night against Wasps.

Leeds Rhinos: Tuaine Keenan, Vicki Oyesola, Emily Hollingworth, Jade Clarke, Brie Grierson, Rhea Dixon, Donnell Wallam.

Strathclyde Sirens: Rachel Conway, Emily Nicholl, Taylor Cullen, Gia Abernethy, Beth Dix, Niamh McCall, Emma Barrie.