The Leeds Rhinos will welcome the LexisNexis Dragons to kick off round four of the Netball Super League. Both teams will be looking for redemption after suffering defeats last time out. Leeds currently sit sixth in the table, whilst the Dragons are seventh, hunting down a first win. Friday sets the stage for a high-stakes battle, with both sides chasing victory and refusing to back down.
Last time out for Leeds
In round three, the Rhinos took on Nottingham Forest. It was a close encounter that ended 61–51, with Leeds’ resilience on full display. The two teams were figuring each other out in the first quarter. Leeds struck first, but the quarter ended with Nottingham in front. The game opened up in the second quarter, flowing from end to end as Harriet Jones brought the scores level. A setback followed as Jaz Brown suffered an injury, and by the break, Forest had edged in front 26–23. The third quarter saw Forest take a commanding lead. In the closing stages of the contest, Leeds cut into the deficit, but it was too late.
From a statistical point of view, it was tight, with not much separating the teams. The key difference was in the rebounds, with Nottingham securing eight whilst Leeds had three. The Rhinos’ top goal scorer was Paige Reed, who tallied 13 goals.
Leeds aim to rebound against the Dragons tomorrow.
The Dragons are also seeking a victory
Sitting seventh in the table, the Welsh side will be hoping to climb up the table sooner rather than later. Like Leeds, the Dragons are coming off a narrow defeat. Manchester Thunder bested them 69–55. A fantastic defensive effort from the Dragons wasn’t enough, as the wait for a first victory continues.
In certain aspects of the game, the Dragons dominated, with five rebounds to Manchester’s one and nine deflections, demonstrating their defensive prowess. The deciding factor was shooting. The Thunder took 15 more shots with an 80% success rate, compared to the Dragons’ 73%. Georgia Rowe and Niamh McCall combined for 34 goals.
Hunting their first win, the Dragons will fancy their chances away from home.
Previous meeting
When they last faced off, the Dragons delivered a composed and clinical performance on the road. Precision, attacking flair, and control defined a victory that set the tone. That day, the Dragons edged a 60–52 victory, with Rowe shooting exceptionally well and contributing 43 goals.
Their last clash delivered drama and intensity, a reminder of what both sides are capable of. Now, the Dragons head away with belief, chasing a repeat of that thrilling success.