Nottingham Forest secured back-to-back Netball Super League victories with a 64-58 triumph over NIC Leeds Rhinos, who suffered their eighth consecutive defeat. The win lifts Forest to fourth place, just one point behind AO Manchester Thunder in third, with 18 points from nine matches.
"Speed is our best friend," said Forest head coach Chelsea Pitman. "We play the game really quick with rapid transitions. That's when we are at our best and Rhinos were really good at disrupting that. Kudos to them. They really took it to us. But I am really proud of us for grinding out the result."
South African shooter Rolene Streutker led Forest's scoring with 34 goals, supported by Anya Williams with nine. For the Rhinos, Paige Reed finished with 31 goals.
Jayda Pechova, 20, was named player of the match after registering three rebounds and showcasing her growing influence. "I feel like I can still push a bit harder but I hope I can put my best foot forward to be selected for the England squad," Pechova said.
Pitman praised the young star: "Pechova is having a phenomenal season. The growth I have seen - and not just on the court - has been a blessing. She's such a coachable athlete. What a year she's having, especially with it being a Commonwealth Games year."
With the win, Forest boosted their chances of a top-four finish and a postseason berth, while Leeds Rhinos remain seventh with just one win all season.