Surrey Storm 44 Leeds Rhinos Netball 50: Injury-hit Rhinos dig deep to see off Storm

Leeds Rhinos bounced back from their narrow defeat to Saracens Mavericks in round two with an impressive 50-44 victory over Surrey Storm in the Vitality Superleague today.
By Millie Frain
Published 21st Feb 2021, 14:49 BST
GAME STAR: Leeds Rhinos' Sienna Rushton takes a shot on goal. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images.GAME STAR: Leeds Rhinos' Sienna Rushton takes a shot on goal. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images.
GAME STAR: Leeds Rhinos' Sienna Rushton takes a shot on goal. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images.

The Rhinos were forced to make several changes to their starting line-up, with co-captain Fi Toner, Tuiane Keenan and Donnell Wallam all missing after suffering injuries during Monday night’s game.

Surrey Storm, who also lost their previous match against Saracens Mavericks, started the game in a lively manner but interceptions from Vicki Oyesola gave the Rhinos an early 13-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.

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Quarter two started positively for Leeds Rhinos, with Sienna Rushton able to find a lot of space within the inner circle.

FULL STRETCH: Leeds Rhinos' Amelia Hall. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images.FULL STRETCH: Leeds Rhinos' Amelia Hall. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images.
FULL STRETCH: Leeds Rhinos' Amelia Hall. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images.

At the other end of the court, a strong partnership between Frankie Wells and Karyn Bailey meant Storm led 25-23 at half-time.

The second half commenced with replacements for both sides, with Mikki Austin coming on for Yasmin Parsons for Storm. Rosie Harris and Amelia Hall came on for Emily Hollingworth and Brie Grierson for the Rhinos, with little separating the sides in the third quarter.

The Rhinos finished the quarter with a three-point advantage, leading Storm 35-32.

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The Rhinos started the final quarter very positively, forging a five-point lead. They managed to maintain that dominance right to the end, chalking up their second victory of the season with a 50-44 triumph.

Teams – Leeds Rhinos: Jade Clarke, Paige Kindred, Vicki Oyesola, Emily Hollingworth, Brie Grierson, Rhea Dixon, Sienna Rushton.

Surrey Storm: Alima Priest, Leah Middleton, Niamh Cooper, Yasmin Parsons, Emily Gulvin, Frankie Wells, Karyn Bailey.

Player of the Match: Sienna Rushton.

Related topics:Rhinos

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