Wasps make it back-to-back wins with victory over Leeds Rhinos

A physical start to the first quarter saw Wasps jump out to an initial 5-0 lead. Goal keeper Josie Huckle won some key early turnovers, while Rachel Dunn and Katie Harris worked the space well in the D for Wasps to have a 14-6 advantage at quarter time.

Wasps came flying out of the blocks once more at the start of the second quarter to extend their lead to 10. Amy Flanagan came up with a crucial pair of interceptions, before being forced off and replaced by Lily-May Catling.

Flanagan later returned to the court at centre, with Iona Christian moving to wing attack and Sophia Candappa taking a well-deserved break on the bench. Rhinos also made some changes to their shooting circle for the second quarter and managed to fight back and take Wasps’ lead down to 23-18 at half time.

Ex-Wasp Sienna Rushton continued to impress at the start of the second half for Rhinos, but Wasps managed to extend their lead back to nine. The home side later reversed their substitution bringing captain Candappa back on and they maintained their nine-goal lead to get to three quarter time leading 38-29.

Wasps maintained their control of the game and extended their lead to 11 mid-way through the final quarter. After back-to-back games this weekend, Wasps rested Dunn and Flanagan for the final few minutes, replacing them with Jamaican international Gezelle Allison and Ella Powell-Davies. Fran Williams finished the game impressively for Wasps with some strong defence.

Despite the Rhinos best efforts in the following three quarters, Wasps’ first quarter lead proved too much to make up, with the score finishing 53-41 to the home side Wasps.

Mizuno Player of the Match: Iona Christian (Wasps).

Match report from Wasps.

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