Leeds Rhinos vs St Helens 28/03/2014

Leeds came into this game in buoyant mood following last week's mauling of Hull KR. However they were not quite prepared for how stern a test St Helens would prove to be. The first half was a battle of two very good teams trying to make a break-through. On the 18th minute mark, Rhinos scored thanks to fabulous work from Kevin Sinfield and Carl Ablett to let Danny McGuire through for his 250th try of his career. It was also a landmark for Kevin Sinfield as he converted his 3,500 points for the club.

However St Helens were growing in confidence and hit back on 24 minutes through Anthony Walker and Tommy Makinson converted shortly afterwards. 

Both defences were holding firm for the remainder of the first half and chances were far and few between. The second half however proved to be a more exciting affair for both clubs and the video ref was kept busy throughout. Leeds took the lead again through a penalty by Sinfield after the Saints were caught offside. McGuire then had a try wiped out after he had spilled the ball.

Saints soon took the lead through Makinson after the ref adjudged that an obstruction by Soliola was not going to stop the Saints going for the try-line. Makinson missed his conversion so it was 10-8 to Saints.

Leeds however refused to lie down and 10 minutes before the final whistle Sinfield kicked another penalty to level the scores. However late drama ensued when Makinson collected a kick from Jonny Lomax and scored to break Rhinos' hearts and claim a victory for St Helens.

Man of the Match - I'm going to give it to the defence as they worked their socks off all game.

Injury worry is Jamie Jones-Buchanan who came off in the first half after suffering a bust bicep.

Let's all hope we get a really good win next week against Wakefield Wildcats in the Challenge Cup.

Until next time.....