Momentum was the word of the day as London Mavericks welcomed Leeds Rhinos in front of a sold out crowd at the Brentwood Centre in Essex. Both sides established considerable leads, however Mavericks went home victorious, winning 54 – 53, thanks to a Kira Rothwell super shot.
Leeds Rhinos got off to a hot start, leading by up to 8 points throughout most of the first quarter. However, following a tactical time out, London Mavericks took charge of the game, leaving the first quarter score level at 13 – 13.
The newly-formed defensive triumvirate of Razia Quashie, Chelsea Blackman and Izzi Phillips found chemistry in their first game starting together, each proving to be a menace on the defensive end of the ball. As the second half drew to a close, Rhinos took charge of the game, led by Malawi international, Joyce Mvula. The team’s headed into the halftime break with the scores reading 24 – 28.
The two sides went blow for blow in the third quarter. Constantly responding to the advances of their rival team, ensuring a close game throughout the quarter. Australian, Chelsea Blackman made a highlight play, propelling herself through the air to make a flying intercept. The final quarter’s score perfectly captured the narrative of the clash. London Mavericks 39 – 39 Leeds Rhinos.
The home crowd erupted as the final quarter began, rallying the Mavericks’ players. However, despite this clear advantage, Leeds Rhinos pulled ahead by four goals with just nine minutes remaining. Following a standout performance the previous week against Cardiff Dragons, Kira Rothwell was introduced to the court and looked to personify her role as ‘Impact Sub’. Rothwell wasted no time connecting with longtime friend Ellie Rattu, cutting Rhinos’ lead to just three goals with five minutes left on the clock.
Having been called up from London Mavericks’ NXT Gen squad, Cerys Finn also joined the court alongside Rothwell to play her first game for London Mavericks. With the whole arena on the edge of their seat, Leeds Rhinos looked to have the game in their hands, roaring down the court with the aim of extending their lead. Cerys Finn dived in to secure a game changing intercept, a play that may have just flipped the game on its head. As the minutes crept away, each team exchanged super shots in consecutive plays, with either side refusing to surrender.
With 16 seconds on the clock, Mavericks found themselves 1 goal behind, with the centre pass in their favour. The ball worked itself into the hands of super sub, Kira Rothwell who readied herself for a super shot. A pin drop could be heard within the arena. Would Rothwell go for the winning shot or would she attempt to work the effort into a one point opportunity to take the game to extra time. Rothwell extended her arms, releasing the ball from her hands. In what may go down as the most clutch play of the season, Kira Rothwell secured the winning goal for London Mavericks in an incredibly intense battle.
London Mavericks 54 – 53 Leeds Rhinos