By guest columnist, Peter Ryan.

It was a thrilling contest in the Welsh capital on Saturday as the LexisNexis Dragons and Nottingham Forest went down to the wire.

The Dragons secured a 65–64 victory, in a match-up of desire and heart saw both teams leave it all on the court.

With the regular season nearing its end, this was a statement victory for the Welsh side at a crucial moment.

The Dragons came into the weekend hunting for redemption after losing three games on the bounce, producing a phenomenal performance to earn vital points. Securing a 62–57 win over Forest back in round six meant there was confidence that a result would come.

The first quarter began at a high pace, with Rolene Streutker opening the scoring before Georgia Rowe quickly answered for the home side.

The score stood at 19–16 at the end of the opening quarter. Nottingham were hunting for the ball in the second quarter, putting immense pressure on their opponents, but the Dragons ended the half with the lead.

During the third quarter, the visitors dictated the pace of the game, while Brie Grierson stood firm in defence with a composed display.

Forest entered the final quarter in pursuit of the lead and brought the deficit to one goal in the closing stages thanks to vital turnovers, yet the Dragons stayed composed to secure the win.

A game decided by fine margins highlighted just how clinical the Dragons can be at their best.

From a statistical perspective, several fascinating data points tell an interesting story.

Forest scored more goals (44) than the Welsh side (41), but the Dragons registered 12 super shots. Nottingham also created 17 more attacking opportunities than the home team, yet the Dragons’ accuracy proved decisive.

Defensively, the Dragons disrupted play with 22 deflections, while Forest countered with sharp anticipation, registering seven interceptions.

Rowe also impressed, tallying 35 goals, the most of any scorer. Leah Middleton and Jacqui Newton led the rebounding with six and three, respectively. A fantastic performance, and they will be looking to take that winning momentum into the next rounds.

For round 11, the Dragons will travel to the M&S Bank Arena to play the NIC Leeds Rhinos.

In a round three rematch, the Dragons tasted victory and will look to do the same at the weekend. The Dragons currently sit sixth, with Leeds in seventh; both teams will be hunting for points. It is surely going to be an exciting match-up.

With a third win secured, the Dragons now have their sights set on a strong finish. Momentum is building, and the season’s closing stages could yet tell a powerful story.

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