Rhinos finish bottom after final-game loss to Panthers

Rhinos finish bottom after final-game loss to Panthers Image source, Benjamin BrainImage caption, Birmingham Panthers ended the season with successive victoriesByMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalistPublished2 minutes agoBirmingham Panthers earned a convincing 67-43 win at Leeds Rhinos to avoid finishing bottom of the Netball Super League.In their final fixture of the season, whoever lost knew they would end the campaign bottom of the eight-team table.The Panthers moved into a 17-11 lead by the end of the first quarter and stretched their advantage further to go in at half-time 31-18 in front.At 37-19 ahead, the Panthers looked to be cruising, although the hosts reduced the deficit to only 12.But the visitors quickly ended any home hopes of a fightback by pulling clear once more, with Betsy Creak ending with 49 goals.This was only the Panthers' third league win of the season, but they did end with back-to-back victories having defeated London Mavericks 52-51 on Sunday.The Rhinos began their campaign with a 54-39 away success over the Panthers in February, but that was their only league win of the year.Related topicsNetball