Match Reports Leeds Away| Leeds Away |
A Tigers side that had to be re-shuffled due to injury was absolutely destroyed by a rampant Rhinos outfit who ran in 76 points with England winger Ryan Atkins grabbing himself 5 tries in the blitz. Dean Widders was a surprise selection at stand off with Ryan McGoldrick moving to full back to replace the injured Richard Owen whilst James Ford came in on the wing for Kirk Dixon. Early Leeds pressure saw them test out McGoldrick but the Aussie was up to the test before Cas first attack saw Rangi Chase regather his own short kick to find the supporting Widders who's kick on was covered by Scott Donald. A Rob Burrow 40-20 saw Leeds take the initiative and as they piled on the pressure, Danny McGuire break before sending the supporting Donald for the opening try. Kevin Sinfield was unable to convert but the Rhinos were 4-0 to the good. The Tigers rallied and 4 minutes later were in the lead. Chase fed McGoldrick who in turn sent out a long pass. The ball went to ground but James Evans was first to react to the loose ball to race in at the corner. Joe Westerman magnificently converted from right in front of the South Stand to edge Cas in front. This seemed to fire up Leeds even more and a Keith Senior break created another opportunity but Donald was unable to take McGuire's pass with the line begging. Hall then went in for the 1st of his tries as he scooted down the short side from dummy half to score in the corner. Sinfield was again off target with the conversion attempt. Hall then went in for his 2nd a minute later after a penalty gave the home side the position and quick hands saw Senior send his winger in. Sinfield's conversion attempt was good this time to extend the lead. Evans knocked on giving Leeds a scrum and an iside ball saw Brent Webb race away for another try which Sinfield again converted before a bust by Ali Lauititi enable Senior to send Hall in for a 1st half hat-trick. Sinfield again converted to give the Rhinos a 26-6 lead at the break. Another Leeds penalty created the opportunity for Lee Smith to grab the next score, Sinfield goaling before good drives from Brett Ferres and Mitchell Sargent enabled Ryan Hudson to go close. From the position McGoldrick sent Chase under the posts. Westerman converting from bang in front. That was as good as it got for Cas as the home side then cut loose, Kylie Leuluai being the next to score charging over from close range. Sinfield goaled before Hall then picked up a loose ball to race 80 metres for his 4th try, again Sinfield added the extras. Sinfield was on target again converting tries from Webb and Burrow as the home side passed the 50 mark. Jamie Peacock then went in for one which again Sinfield goaled. Hall then grabbed his 5th try which Sinfield failed to convert then sub Mike Ratu scored off a Jamie Jones-Buchanan break. Again Sinfield was off target. Lauititi was then held just short and when McGoldrick stopped the Rhinos taking a quick penalty, he was despatched to the sin-bin by referee Ben Thaler. From the penalty Lauititi crashed over with Sinfield's conversion completing the rout. A bad day at the office would be a bit of an understatement after this embarrassing defeat and with only 3 games remaining the Tigers need to bounce back quickly to ensure that they clinch a top 8 spot. Wigan are next up for Cas in a Sky televised game at The Jungle and the Tigers will be looking to get back on 'the horse' with a good performance against the 'Cherry and Whites' Tigers: McGoldrick, Ford, Shenton, Evans, Wainwright, Widders, Chase, Sargent, Hudson, Huby, Ferres, Clayton, Westerman. Subs: Jones, Higgins, Feather, Netherton Rhinos: Webb, Donald, Smith, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Burrow,Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sinfield. Subs: Ratu, Worrall, Burgess, Lauititi Referee: Ben Thaler Attendance 16931 Normytigers Man of the Match
1st Joe Westerman 3 points 2nd Ryan Hudson 2 points 3rd Craig Huby 1 point |
