Round 21: Leeds v Wakefield

[DIEHARD]

V

Leeds: (6) 16
Tries: Bailey, Burrow, Donald
Goals: Sinfield 2

Wakefield: (4) 23
Tries: Elima, Atkins, George
Goals: Rooney 5
Drops: Rooney

Leeds lost ground on Super League leaders St Helens after Wakefield mounted a storming fightback to win at Headingley Carnegie on Friday night.

The hosts led 6-4 through Ryan Bailey's converted try, with Wakefield replying through two Jamie Rooney goals.

Rob Burrow scored Leeds' second try before Olivier Elima trimmed the lead.

Scott Donald then added a third Leeds try to make it 16-10 but late tries from Ryan Atkins and Luke George gave Wakefield victory.

The Rhinos took the lead after 17 minutes when Danny McGuire's intelligent kick was gathered by prop Bailey for his third try of the season.

Kevin Sinfield added the goal but Leeds could not press home their advantage and conceded a series of penalties, with Rooney landing two out of three shots at goal to make it 6-4 at the break.

It was Wakefield's turn to concede a succession of penalties after the break and Leeds finally crossed the line for a second time when Burrow raced under the posts, with Sinfield adding the easy goal.

Wakefield responded magnificently with French forward Elima's try narrowing the gap to two points.

Donald's converted score put Leeds 16-10 ahead with 18 minutes left but the visitors refused to give up and levelled through Atkins' converted score.

Rooney then edged them into a one-point lead with a drop-goal before converting George's 80th minute try to secure a shock victory for the Wildcats, who are up to fifth.

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Wakefield coach John Kear:
"That has to be our most complete performance over 80 minutes. Leeds didn't play badly at all but we still beat them.
"Since the defeat against Huddersfield we have questioned the players over the last five days and they have come up with the answers.

"Leeds' last try was very dubious. I thought there was a knock-on in midfield and nothing will convince me otherwise."

Leeds coach Tony Smith:
"We are very disappointed. I am not happy with the way we finished the game.

"We were in some form of control but sometimes a few errors can really hurt you, especially when a game is as close as this one.

"Wakefield were very tenacious in defence, so congratulations to them. We will have to address certain issues like ruthlessness and taking opportunities when they arise.

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Leeds: Webb, Donald, Toopi, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Bailey, Tansey, Pea****, Jones-Buchanan, Ellis, Sinfield.
Replacements: Thackray, Lauitiiti, Leuluai, Kirke.

Wakefield: Blaymire, Fox, Henderson, Atkins, White, Rooney, Jeffries, Watene, Obst, Bibey, Ferres, Elima, Demetriou.
Replacements: Moore, George, Latu, Catic.

Referee: R Silverwood (Dewsbury)

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk