Rhinos move closer to League Leaders' Shield
Ryan Hall scored twice for the home side at Headingley
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Friday, 04, Sep 2009 09:23
Leeds Rhinos edged ahead in the race for the League Leaders' Shield after a 18-10 win over St. Helens at Headingley.
Rhinos lead the Saints by two points in the Super League table going into the final game of the season next weekend.
Following a slow start from both sides it was Leeds who edged ahead after an even first forty minutes.
The home side were first to go close when Scott Donald had a try ruled out for putting a foot in touch moments after Leon Pryce was sin binned for a professional foul.
Despite being a man down Saints were first on the scoreboard after Lee Gilmour powered over for his 100th career try in the eleventh minute. Kyle Eastmond added the extras.
Sean Long was orchestrating play in the centre of the park, but solid Rhinos defence kept the score down.
Rhinos drew level against the run of play when Carl Ablett darted over from close range. The reliable boot of Kevin Sinfield made it 6-6 with 25 minutes on the clock.
The score gave Leeds confidence and they soon had a foothold in the game, drawing mistakes from their opponents and looking more threatening in their opponent's half.
It was the Rhinos who edged ahead moments before break when Ryan Hall squeezed in at the corner under pressure from Paul Wellens. Sinfield's conversion made the half-time score 12-6.
Seven minutes into the second half a clever inside pass from Eastmond was gratefully accepted by Chris Flannery who touched down to bring Saints within two points. Eastmond's conversion attempt floated inches wide.
Ryan Hall's second of the game re-opened the four point gap but there were strong suspicions of a knock on leading up to the winger's score. Sinfield missed out on the extra two but Leeds led 16-10.
Leeds determinedly kept an enthusiastic Saints attack at bay before Sinfield kicked a penalty with six minutes left that secured his side the win.
In the evenings other fixture Wigan Warriors picked up a 34-22 win over lowly Hull with Amos Roberts and George Carmont helping themselves to two tries each.
Tom Powell