Leeds Rhinos pull off impressive comeback to beat Team Bath

Rhinos had been 15 goals behind in the first half, but some brilliant defence from Vicki Oyesola and two 17-goal quarters in the second half from Leeds secured them a 59-55 win that took them a place above their opponents into eighth.

Both sides capitalised on early errors from their opponents, Bath moving into an early lead after miscommunication between the Rhinos before a missed shot from Sophie Kelly landed in the hands of Michelle Magee and a feed from Elle McDonald into Ellie Bird for the goal.

Kelly responded will to finish off the first quarter with a shot from the edge of the circle to see her team go in with an 18-12 lead.

Turning defence into attack 🦏

Yesterday's match between @RhinosNetballSL & @TeamBathNetball was a game of two halves ⚖

If you missed it, catch up on @SkySports YouTube channel ⬇

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 21, 2023

The second quarter saw Bath match their efforts from the first with another 18 goals as they firmly took control with Betsy Creak and Kelly looking good in attack and they were able to widen their lead to make the score 25-13.

Paige Reed entered the court and made an immediate impact due to her connection with Caroline O'Hanlon, sending a short pass to Bird which added another goal for Leeds Rhinos.

However, Team Bath continued to turnover the ball and were able to make the most of their possession and soon had a 33-18 lead.

Leeds showed their resilience and looked to create opportunities for Reed and Bird but Bath kept pulling away and went in at the break with an 11-goal lead.

Impeccable timing from Pechova 🤌@JaydaPechova makes a superb tip to deny Bird from distance ❌

Can @RhinosNetballSL get back into this one? Head over to @SkySports YouTube to find out. #NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/gVWyiPxCOU

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 20, 2023

The hosts stepped up to the task in the third quarter, showing early intent when Nia Jones fed Bird from the centre third and Jayda Pechova was unable to get her hands on it and they started to chip away at Bath's lead.

Leeds Rhinos began to pick up the intensity and a feed from Rosie Harris into Bird narrowed the scoreline to 36-40.

Footwork from Hannah Passmore under the post allowed Leeds to take advantage with a goal from Bird and their intent got them to within touching distance at 43-42 heading into the final quarter.

Impeccable timing from Pechova 🤌@JaydaPechova makes a superb tip to deny Bird from distance ❌

Can @RhinosNetballSL get back into this one? Head over to @SkySports YouTube to find out. #NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/gVWyiPxCOU

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) May 20, 2023

Leeds soon levelled the game and it went goal for goal, until Rhinos finally found a way through to take the lead for the first time in the game.

After some superb play from Oyesola, again coming up with some vital intercepts, things began to turn in the favour of Leeds.

A caution for Lily-May Catling on Team Bath's centre pass then meant Bird could add another goal and Leeds then built momentum as the game drew to a close to secure the 59-55 win.

Report kindly supplied by Leeds Rhinos

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