Rhinos make history with Wasps win at First Direct Arena

Jade Clarke got the game underway and to the delight of the bumper crowd bagged the opening goal of the contest.

Strong defensive pressure from Tuaine Keenan and Vicky Oyesola forced Wasps off the backline, as Rhinos transitioned smoothly and the score was 2-0.

Wasps created a turnover as Rachel Dunn got the visitors first goal of the game, but with Sienna Rushton moving well into the attacking circle , Rhinos were adding to their own tally as well and there was little to separate the teams.

Dunn and Rushton traded goals, Rushton opening up a two-goal lead for Rhinos but a tenacious Wasps effort saw a tussle within the circle for the rebound go the way of the visitors.

Sigi Burger was holding strong under the post, but with Wasps given possession the visitors were able to keep a narrow advantage. Rhinos piled on the pressure as Clarke took the last centre of the quarter with 16 seconds remaining to ensure the hosts trailed 12-11.

To start the second quarter Amy Clinton entered the court at goal shooter but it was the Rhinos defence looking to set the tone to try and disrupt Wasps' transition but the visitors remaining front and led by four before Rushton's long-range effort.

Determined effort from Rhinos was them continue to chip away at the deficit, trailing by one a strong hold from Clinton saw her level the game at 18-18.

The game continued goal for goal for the remainder of the half with Rhinos heading into the break leading by one, falling short of doubling that advantage when Keenan's turnover and long-ball down court failed to find a teammate.

Changes in the attacking end for Wasps gave Rhinos something new to think about and early on they had turned the game on it's head to lead the see-saw contest by the narrowest margin until the closing moments of the quarter.

Wasps earned possession and turned it into a 36-33 lead heading into the final quarter.

Chasing the game, and victory, Rhinos head coach Tracey Robinson made chased with Brie Grierson moved into the goal attack position, Amelia Hall at wing attack and Rushton moved back into the shooter bib and Emma Magee taking up the wing defence position.

A confident start saw Rhinos almost instantly reduce the deficit to one and with the crowd roaring them on, Clarke picked up ball and a quick transition saw Grierson get her first goal of the game and a level match at 36-36.

Gezelle Allison got her own rebound for Wasps as the game remained level before the decisive turnover from Grierson moved Rhinos into a two-goal lead and when footwork was called against Wasps' Dunn and Rushton stayed cool under the post to move the home team into a 42-38 advantage.

In a thrilling contest there was still time for more drama, as Wasps fought their way to within one the teams traded turnovers but with the ball in Wasps hands, Dunn stayed cool to level at 43-43. But with 25 second on the clock, Rushton put Rhinos back in front, and then Oyesola's tip allowed Rhinos to run out the clock and seal a memorable win.

Match report supplied by Leeds Rhinos