Leeds Rhinos have beaten Warrington Wolves 28-22 this evening to move up to fifth in the Super League.
The scoreline was closer than it should have been as the home team dominated from the start, but the Rhinos were made to hang on at the end after a strong finish from the away team.
Leeds were ahead inside five minutes when Danny McGuire squirmed past three players to go over. Kevin Sinfield continued his season-long form and added two points to the score.
A penalty allowed Leeds to extend their lead before the away side got themselves back into the game when Joel Monaghan nicked the ball in his own quarter and ran the whole length of the pitch for Warrington's first try.
Leeds were back on the attack after that, though, and went further clear when Ryan Hall reached over the line with his fingertips, just managing to stay inside the touchline. This time, though, from a much tougher angle, Sinfield missed the kick.
They got their third try soon after when, after what looked like a forward pass, Kallum Watkins went over in the corner. After Sinfield missed, Warrington responded again with a try of their own.
The comeback didn't last for long though as a good break from Zak Hardaker saw him ride three challengers and gain over 50 yards for Leeds. Warrington eventually got back but the home team utilised the pressure and released Paul McShane to pirouette over the line. Sinfield continued to defy his form over the season and missed again.
After an even start to the second half, it was Leeds who scored again with Hall going over acrobatically in the corner for the second time. Their kicker Sinfield redeemed himself by adding two more points.
Some good defending from Hardaker stopped an instant response from Warrington but five minutes later they scored.
After breaking clear Stefan Ratchford chipped the ball wide for Joel Monaghan, who gathered the ball, just, and went over the line. Hodgson kicked well again and Warrington were back in the game.
Leeds's defence held firm but they couldn't stop a fantastic Warrington move from side to side, finished by Ryan Atkins, right on the final whistle.
It was nothing more than a consolation and the reigning champions take the two points.
Daniel Cross
