Leeds Rhinos 41 Loughborough Lightning 70 - Leaders prove toughest Vitality Superleague test to date for Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos floundered in front of leaders Loughborough Lightning, conceding 70 goals in an intense battle at the Studio 001 stadium.
Leeds Rhinos' 
Rosie Harris made her first start at wing attack against Loughborough but was switched to goalkeeper in a bid to nullify Lightning's threat. Picture: Tony Johnson/JPIMedia.Leeds Rhinos' 
Rosie Harris made her first start at wing attack against Loughborough but was switched to goalkeeper in a bid to nullify Lightning's threat. Picture: Tony Johnson/JPIMedia.
Leeds Rhinos' Rosie Harris made her first start at wing attack against Loughborough but was switched to goalkeeper in a bid to nullify Lightning's threat. Picture: Tony Johnson/JPIMedia.

Another change in Leeds’ starting seven saw Rosie Harris make her first start for the Rhinos as wing defence, while it became all too familiar for Paige Kindred as she began another game out of position as goalkeeper.

In the opening quarter, Loughborough were quick to take the lead after a few too many mistakes from the Rhinos in their hardest test yet.

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Loughborough’s tight defence against the Rhinos interfered with the usually immaculate connection between Rhea Dixon and Sienna Rushton that helped give Leeds the upper hand last week against Surrey Storm. This week, the girls were not up to par and the relentless pressure reflected on many of their shots.

As Loughborough continued to storm ahead into the second quarter, Dan Ryan made the executive decision to switch Rosie Harris with Paige Kindred as goalkeeper to put a stop to the flawless performance of 6ft 7ins Mary Cholhok.

Despite the best efforts of the Rhinos, they trailed 35-18 at half-time and lost Vicki Oyesola to illness, who was replaced by Michelle Magee; the defender making her debut for the team.

The Rhinos gave it their all but were unable keep the ball out of Cholhoks’ reach and maintain the pace of passes in order to break down the Loughborough Lightning unit.

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After a few changes in Loughborough’s end in the final quarter, the Rhinos were not able to capitalise on their chances, resulting in their second loss of the season, a 70-41 defeat.

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