Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors 17/05/14 (Magic Weekend)

Leeds came into the Magic Weekend hoping to extend their winning streak, but they knew they would face stiff competition from Wigan who had been picking up form. The game had a whiff of tension about it. The opening exchanges were exciting and it was the home side who would go into the lead through Anthony Gelling's try. Matty Smith added the conversion and shortly afterwards a penalty to make it 8-0.  Tensions erupted when firstly Gil Dudson tackled Danny McGuire and both teams entered a brawl but this was just after Jamie Peacock had been high tackled by Michael McIlorum. 2 Wigan players got sin-binned, one being McIlorum the other being John Bateman. Leeds had Ryan Bailey sin-binned. This saw Leeds gain advantage and scored their only try of the half through Ryan Hall. Kevin Sinfield was unable to convert so it was 8-4. 

Wigan however went further ahead through Blake Green, Smith converting once more and this left Leeds a battle on their hands in the second half.

The second half arrived and Wigan scored their third try of the game through Michael McIlorum and Smith once again converted. Leeds suddenly upped their gear and Carl Ablett scored a try after he created space for himself.  Ryan Hall got his second not long afterwards and Sinfield converted one of the tries to make the scores 18-14. Joel Moon was denied a try by the video ref shortly before full-time and this led to Wigan beating Leeds. 

 

















Man of the Match - Zak Hardaker for me, he's proving his worth every game.