Match Analysis - Leeds Rhinos V Hull KR

By leedsrhinos.biz
August 19 2007

We've decided to change our style of match report this week and turned it into more of a match analysis, and if you like it, we'll keep it going till the end of the season. This week the Rhinos took on Hull KR at Headingley to keep the pressure on the Saints at the top. Saints did manage to take the two points from Salford yet the Bulls are now four points behind us after loosing to Hudd. today

Please note this is a MATCH ANALYSIS and not a Match Report

Leeds: (16) 34
Tries: Donald (2), Hall, Diskin, Toopi, McGuire
Goals: Sinfield (5)

Hull KR: (0) 18
Tries: Lovegrove, Dyer, Tandy
Goals: Cooke (3)

The lads fought a brilliant second half comeback but Leeds were just too good for second to bottom placed Hull Kingston Rovers.

The Hull fans turned out in their numbers to witness Leeds tries from Donald, Hall, Diskin, Toopi and McGuire which consequently meant we were still joint top of the engage Super League table.

Whilst Saints were resting key players against Salford - things weren't looking too jolly at Headingley with the likes or Scruton and Burrow missing due to injury - all in a week when Brent Webb's match ban was reduced to three.

Donald and Diskin made the score at the break 16-0 but it was by far over and the Robins proved that in the first minutes of the second half. Rhys Lovegrove, Luke Dyer and Ryan Tandy all scored but those tries were mere consolation as the lads once again did us proud in the bussiness end of the season as Ryan Hall, Clinton Toopi and Danny McGuire all touched down for tries.

Carl Ablett also delivered the goods as he made a try from nowhere by stepping out of a tackle down the Leeds left and went forty metres before passing inside to Toopi who ran to cross the white-wash the remaining 30 metres.

We didn't go two points clear at the top of the table on Friday but at least we have something to be smug about when Bradford lost to Huddersfield today at the Galpharm. Now allowing for possible losses to Hull FC and Bradford - we should still be second as we are now thirty something ahead on the points difference.

Now - a week off for the CC final down at Wembley before we take on the Bulls at Odsal.

We hope to see you down in London for what should be a cracking weekend of rugby league in the capital.

Just before we go - my MOM has to be JP. Had a lot more go forward in him tonight since he has been moved back into the second row. Lets just hope it stays that way till the end of the season. And don't forget what a cracking end-of-season Danny McGuire is having.

Surely we have a chance at getting out hands on all three trophies still on offer?

Leeds: Smith, Donald, Toopi, Senior, Hall, Sinfield, McGuire, Bailey, Diskin, Leuluai, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ellis. Replacements: Lauitiiti, Kirke, Thackray, Ablett.

Hull KR: Hardman, Bauer, Goddard, Dyer, Lennon, Cooke, Webster, Vella, Fisher, Aizue, Chester, O'Neill, Murrell. Replacements: J. Netherton, Ward, Tandy, Lovegrove.

Referee: R Silverwood (Dewsbury)

Tony Smith:

"I felt we played some good stuff at times and controlled the first half pretty well.

"That was unusual to see two teams throwing the ball around in the same game.

"There was some great offloading and it's entertaining to see rugby league played like that these days.

"Some of the tries we scored were outstanding and both sets of fans can go home reasonably happy."