Nothing separates Sirens and Rhinos at the Emirates Arena

With Rhinos on the hunt for their first win of the season, Sirens were prepared for a hard-fought battle, and this match certainly did not disappoint.

Rhinos got off to a strong start going up by two goals in the opening minutes, but Sirens were calm and worked hard to score off their own centre pass. The visitors then pulled ahead by three with eight minutes remaining in the first quarter. Sirens were clinical in defence, forcing multiple held balls, working the ball down into their attack with Stella Oyella and Goodwin sharing the shooting load. The scores were level again until Abby Tyrrell came away with a flying intercept which put Sirens ahead for the first time.

No changes for Sirens going into the second quarter and both teams came out firing. Rhinos managed to pull it back coming within 1 but Oyella found herself on the intercepts stat sheet allowing Goodwin to put another goal on the scoreboard for the home side. Tyrrell and Emily Nicholl were ruthless in defence, creating opportunities to extend their lead but Rhinos were hard to shake. After scoring two in a row, Rhinos had the chance to level the game, but Claire Maxwell turned it over and sent it down for Goodwin to slot away. There was no stopping this Sirens team as they extended their lead by six with one minute remaining in the first half. Goodwin moved out to GA with Emma Barrie entering at GS and Sirens remained on top leading Rhinos, 28-24 after the first half.

Rhinos kicked off the second half scoring consecutive goals, closing the gap to a one-goal game. Kelly Boyle replaced Beth Dix in at wing attack and highlighted her strong connections with shooter Goodwin. Both teams showed glimpses of control with Sirens holding their lead and Rhinos clawing back at them. Millie Sanders in at the back for Rhinos was rugged in defence, winning the ball for her team to come back within one with five minutes left in the third quarter. Towera Vinkhumbo replaced Tyrrell for Sirens and had an immediate impact, linking well with Nicholl. With two minutes left and one goal in it, Barrie re-entered the court replacing Goodwin at shooter. Rhinos capitalised from a defensive rebound, putting them in front going into the last quarter, 39-40.

With 15 minutes left and all to play for, both teams were now more determined than ever. Rhinos held onto their lead and showed great composure in their transition down the court. Tyrrell re-entered the court with an immediate impact, forcing a turnover and rewarding her efforts under the post. With Rhinos up by one, Nicholl was on the hunt to level as she darted to the pocket, stealing the ball from the Rhinos attackers. The competition was heating up as Barrie netted another, levelling the scoreboard. A packed Emirates Arena erupted with the Sirens Tribe on their feet, urging their team on to push ahead of their Yorkshire opponents. Rhinos went up by two with three minutes on the clock and Sirens brought Goodwin back into GS. Sirens trailing by one needed a turnover which Maxwell provided and with one minute 30 seconds left, the scoreboard showed 51-51. Rhinos with the centre pass meant they were in control as they inched ahead by one with only 20 seconds remaining. The Sirens attackers showed great determination and it was Goodwin’s shot on the buzzer that concluded the game with a final score of 52-52.

Match Report provided by Strathclyde Sirens