Share MATTHEW MERRICK PHOTOGRAPHY Leeds Rhinos suffered last-gasp heartbreaking 53-52 defeat to Saracens Mavericks at Leeds First Direct Arena with just one goal separating the two. It took both teams time to settle at the start of the game, but Saracens Mavericks were the first team to put the ball through the net after a minute and a half of play. The tables soon turned as the crowd gave Leeds Rhinos confidence and they quickly took a two goal lead, 3-1. Unforced errors from Leeds Rhinos allowed Saracens Mavericks to then take the lead with seven minutes left on the clock of quarter one. A physical battle from start to finish 💪 Catch up on an intense game at the First Direct Arena between @RhinosNetballSL and @SaracensMavs ⬇ — Netball Super League (@NetballSL) April 17, 2023 Ellie Bird scored from under the post to level the game once more in a see-saw first quarter, as Saracens Mavericks utilised on a Stella Oyesola mistake from to find Britney Clarke under the post and put a three goal lead back on the board. Jodie Gibson created a turnover for Saracens Mavericks but Oyesola won the ball back for the home side with just 10 seconds on the clock. Saracens Mavericks utilised from Leeds Rhinos early errors at the start of the second quarter, they quickly pulled out to a five goal advantage and continued to dominate and score six consecutive goals to extend their lead even further 24-15. Leeds Rhinos then had a trio of consecutive goals but this was not enough to combat the difference created at the start of the quarter from Saracens Mavericks and six goals separated the two sides at the half time break, 25-19. Both sides were quick off the mark to commence the second half. Rhinos grew in confidence on the feed into Ellie Bird and the gap quickly reduced, with Bird levelling the game at 33 all with five minutes remaining of the third quarter, before the home side took the lead for the first time since the opening minutes. Did you mean that, @cohanlon9? 🤔 The midcourter gives @RhinosNetballSL a helping hand as they close in on @SaracensMavs 👀 We've got a game on our hands here! Head over to @SkySports YouTube to watch the action. #NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/v4pKXLFcMp — Netball Super League (@NetballSL) April 16, 2023 Play went back and forth between both teams for several minutes until Saracens Mavericks dropped the ball off the backline 20 seconds before the third break. Rhinos transitioned quickly and also took their next centre with 11 seconds left on the clock, Bird netted the penalty and it was Leeds Rhinos who entered three quarter time one goal ahead 39-38. Oyesola took a vital turnover but Saracens Mavericks quickly regained possession and slowly edged ahead in the final minutes of play. Rhinos ended the final minute strongly and took three consecutive goals but were just unable to reduce the deficit enough and Mavericks took a 53-52 win at the end of the 60 minutes. Report supplied by Leeds Rhinos Follow the Netball Super League on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. Keep up with all the latest news by signing up to the NSL newsletter here. Share Tags: NIC Leeds Rhinos London Mavericks