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Rugby League

Wigan defence stays firm to beat champions Leeds Rhinos

05/04/2008

A phenomenal defensive display Wigan Warriors secured them a famous 14-10 win against Super League champions Leeds Rhinos at Headingley today.

The teams scored two tries each with Pat Richards and Thomas Leuluai crossing-over for Wigan and Scott Donald and Kylie Leuluai scoring for the Rhinos.

Although Leeds were far from their brilliant best, they still had numerous chances to win the game but a colossal effort from the Wigan defence kept them out.

Leeds took an early lead as hooker Matt Diskin did brilliantly to collect a high Kevin Sinfield kick and passed the ball to Donald to score his 10th try of the season. Leeds captain Sinfield failed to add the two points.

Leeds looked to be heading for another comfortable home win as they dominated possession. But the Warriors hit back as George Carmont broke through the Rhinos defence and setup winger Richards to touchdown. The try-scorer added the two points to give his side the lead.

Richards then made the score 8-4 in favour of Wigan as he converted a long-distance penalty which Keith Senior gave away.

Leeds, however, grabbed the lead just before half-time as Leuluai got hold of a good short ball from Sinfield to score his try. Sinfield added the extra two points.

It was one way traffic in the second-half as Leeds battered the Wigan try-line. But it was the visitors who scored the all-important try through Thomas Leuluai – cousin of Leeds try-scorer Kylie.

Although the Wigan defence stood firm under immense pressure, Leeds almost stole the points late on, but Lee Smith saw a try disallowed for a debatable forward pass.