Leeds Rhinos secure big win away to Saracens Mavericks

Marshall for Mavericks got the game underway with the first centre pass, Magee picked up a loose ball and Rushton got the first goal of the game 0-1. Burger was quick to add another to Rhinos tally 0-2, Grierson earned a ball on the transverse line and Burger was successful on the shot. Despite a great tip from Gibson for Saracens Mavericks, the ball was back in Rhinos' hands and Burger added another to extend their lead to six, 0-6.

Essam got Mavericks on the scoreboard a few minutes into the game 1-6. Clarke played a quick ball into Burger who was holding well under the post to continue her shooting successes 3-7. Mavericks started to settle into the game and the gap was quickly reduced, Corbin sank another 6-7. Burger and Clarke combined well and after a turnover from Magee Rhinos pulled away with a four goal lead 6-10. Tight defensive pressure forced Mavericks off the sideline, third time lucky for Burger 6-11, Grierson showed patience and despite Rushton falling to the floor she still managed to find Burger under the post 6-12.

Oyesola picked up ball in Rhinos defensive unit but the ball was gifted back to Mavericks, a long shot from Essam allowed Mavericks to build on their game 7-12. Rushton replied with a similar long range shot but Mavericks soon had a run of three, 10-13. Rushton and Burger combined well with a quick shooter to shooter ball to allow Burger to take the shot, Rhinos also denied Mavericks of a last second goal meaning they entered the first break with a four goal lead 10-14.

Clarke took the first centre of the second quarter and Burger was still on form under the post 10-15. Play continued with each side taking their centre passes to goal and the gap remained at five until Marshall made an intercept for Saracens Mavericks. Clarke put her body on the line but couldn’t regain possession, this saw the difference reduce to two 16-18.

An error from the Rhinos attacking unit saw the ball go off the backline allowing Corbin to add a couple and level the game at 18 a piece. Mavericks took the lead by one after a few mistakes in play from Rhinos 21-19. Tracey Robinson made some changes in defence with Oyesola moving to the bench, Magee going into the GD position and Lydia Walker entered the game at WD.

Mavericks had a clear vision into the circle and earned a two goal buffer. Rhinos reacted quickly whilst remaining composed and after a few strong passages of play it was Rhinos back in the lead. Rhinos moved into half time three goals ahead of the home side Saracens Mavericks 22-25.

Amelia Hall entered the court at the WA position for the second half with Brie Grierson moving down the court into Goal Attack with Rushton picking up the GS bib. Rushton and Grierson proved a strong combination and started the second half strong, extending Rhinos lead to six, 22-28. Rhinos fast attacking unit showed confidence on the feed into the circle and Grierson transitioned smoothly into the goal attack position after starting in the wing attack role. Rushton remained successful and Grierson was confident to turn to the post and shoot 24-30.

Airey moved into the Goal Keeper position. Each team then settled into the second half and utilised their own centre passes, Mavericks were the first to turn over ball and converted a Rhinos centre 29-32. Grierson continued to move well and also found Rushton under the post further down the court 30-34. Two mavericks players fell to the floor on Rhinos centre pass but Rushton remained focused and added another to her teams tally, allowing the gap to remain at four, 31-35.

To end the third quarter Rushton netted a penalty and Rhinos defence held strong yet again denying Mavericks of a goal 33-38 allowing Rhinos to regain a five goal lead entering the final quarter.

The final quarter got underway after further changes in Rhinos defensive unit, Oyesola re-entered the court at GD moving Magee to WD. Rushton remained calm and started the final quarter confident netting her first attempt of the period 35-39. Oyesola made impact returning to court picking up a flying intercept, Rushton picked up a rebound and put the ball through the net 35-40. Rushton had a collision with the post but on the contact call was unfazed and continued adding to Rhinos tally 36-41.

A couple of errors from Saracens Mavericks saw Rhinos lead extend to seven, 37-44. However Mavericks weren’t out of the game yet. Corbin and Mavericks Clarke took a quick centre pass to goal, Mavericks defence then turned over ball and after a miss from Clarke, Corbin netted it 42-45. Grierson remained composed for the Rhinos side and kept calm in the circle with Rushton continuing to add goals on the board, 43-46. Jodie Gibson deflected the ball inside Rhinos attacking circle which was picked up by Mavericks defensive unit, allowing them to add another, Clarke then scored on Mavericks centre pass and the game was level at 46 all. The game remained goal for goal for the final few minutes until after a bullet ball from Hall into Grierson gave Rhinos the extra confidence to be able to finish the game with the lead which they had held most of the game.

Corbin broke the line for Mavericks turning possession, this allowed Rushton to put the ball through the net yet again to give Rhinos the advantage. Grierson, Clarke and Hall combined well on Rhinos last centre pass of the game allowing them to cement their victory with a final goal. Corbin for Mavericks took the last shot of the game but it was Rhinos who took the win 51-53.

Gilbert Player of the Match: Brie Grierson (Leeds Rhinos)

Match report courtesy of Leeds Rhinos.