Leeds Rhinos 51- 53 Severn Stars

The home side started most brightly as Brie Grierson and Paige Reed combined well in the shooting circle, while the defence forced several turnovers. 

A quick one-two between Grierson and Caroline O'Hanlon allowed the goal attack to add to Rhinos’ tally before Stars managed to find Burger under the post meaning it was a one-goal game at the first break in favour to Rhinos 17-16.  

Having moved to goal attack at the start of the second quarter, Reed started the second period beautifully with a perfectly timed drive into the circle to land herself right under the post.  

The ball was passed between the teams before Stars converted a Rhinos centre along with their own to give themselves the lead 19-20.  

Burger got an intercept for Stars as they looked to build a lead, but Michelle Magee and Vicki Oyesola combined well again to regain composure and possession for the home side. 

That reversed the sides’ fortunes as Leeds stretched to a four-goal lead as O'Hanlon nearly took a goal for herself before Reed directed it through the net. 

Stars fought back to equalise in the dying minutes of the half before Reed shot a buzzer beater after good work from Oyesola hand Rhinos a 29-27 lead at halftime the Allam Sports Centre.  

Rejuvenated after a half-time team talk from Jo Trip, Stars stormed into a narrow lead after the break, but unforced errors meant that they were once again reined in by Rhinos. 

Liana Leota’s side did just enough in the third quarter to keep Stars one goal behind them with 15 minutes to play with a 39-38 advantage. 

The lead exchanged hands in the final quarter as it had done all game, before Burger held her nerve to sink her side’s centre pass to move into the lead with seconds remaining. 

A call against Rhinos handed Stars a chance to sew up the win, which the South African did not pass up to seal a thrilling win.  

 Report supplied by Leeds Rhinos