Match Report 

Leeds Rhinos 44 Bradford Bulls 2

Thursday 20th March 2008, Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

Both sides had huge injury lists entering the big derby clash, but no spectator, not even a Leeds one, expected for Leeds to run away with this game like they did - especially with the wind in the first half being in the Rhinos' faces. Leeds were without Ryan Bailey after he picked up a knock in last weeks nilling of 'Quins, but on form hooker, Matt Diskin, returned from his match ban after he commited a high tackle in the Cas loss.

The first points of the game were scored by Bradford's Paul Deacon. Gareth Ellis was harshly penalised for crossing and Deacon took the option to take the 2 and succeeded. The score was 2-0 to the Bulls with only 3 minutes gone.

Only 2 minutes later and the Rhinos suffered a huge blow. Kylie Leuleui was completely knocked out after he attempted to tackle ex-Rhino, Chris Feather. The delay lasted just under 10 minutes as the medical team at Leeds took all the time they needed to treat Kylie before taking him off on a stretcher.

After a period of continued pressure from the Bulls, a grubber from Diskin was collected by JJB who went over the line to score in front of the Bradford fans. Sinny's attempt hit the post and Leeds were leading - the score was 4-2.

Less than 10 minutes later and Leeds were in again. Burrow and Sinfield both offloaded to put superman Webb through. Sinfield continued his 49th consequtive scoring run by finding his boot to make the score 10-2.

On the half hour mark JJB collected a dead ball from Bradford who previous to this, put plenty of pressure on the Leeds line. The home grown second rower scampered to the 20 metre mark and took the tap before rushing downfield. Jamie broke the oppositions line before making it to there 20 mark before passing to the supporting Smith who found the whitewash, beating Tadulala. Sinfield added the conversion and we were now 16-2 ahead.

Yet another Bradford mistake whilst they were attacking allowed Leeds to score. After a mix up between various Bulls players, the ball came free in the tackle. Ellis collected the ball and passed inside to Burrow who went over for his 101st try in the blue and amber hoops (and V in 2006!). Sinfield converted from the touch line to score. 22-2 was the score until a minute before the break.

As the final hooter sounded, Brent Webb went over the line for his second try of the evening so far. JJB was again the provider as he made a line break before passing to Webb, who ran the remaining 40. He couldn't believe he had nobody chasing him down, and went over to score. Sinfield missed his conversion attempt, but Leeds were still 26 point to 2 ahead as they went into half time.

The hooter signaled the start of the second half and the wind was now on Leeds' back. Once more, the next Rhinos try came from a Bradford attack. Just 5 minutes into the second half, super speedy Scott Donald collected a pass from Luke Burgess who originally intercepted. Donald then ran 70 metres down the field to score. 32-2 was the score after Sinfield converted. From here he was took off the field to be rested for the other Easter games - the next of which is Hull F.C. away on Monday.

Bradford from here on threw everything they had left in their tank. Leeds' defence was superb. The home side held up players over the line twice, clearly showing how brilliant the Rhinos defence really is - especially under immense pressure. 

Lee Smith eased the pressure and almost scored whilst doing so. Sadly though he was caught on the Bulls 30 metre line. But only a play the ball later, Burrow side stepped several times, dodging tackles, and then going in under the sticks. The pocket rocket converted his own try as Sinny was off the field.

In the final Rhinos attack of the game, Tansey put in an un-expected reverse kick towards the sticks and Brent Webb completed his hatrick by collecting the ball and running a short distance before diving over the line. Robbie Burrow added the extras to complete the humiliation of the Bradford Bulls.

Every single player last night performed 110%. It's hard to forget I know, but Leeds were without 6 first team regulars, without Kylie Leuleui for most of the game and without skipper Sinny for a good percentage of the second.

This was certainly one of the best performances this year, if not the best. It will be tougher than many of us think on that field..it was derby day after all.

It is rumoured that Bailey and McGuire will be joining the lads on that Leeds coach making it 70 miles up the M62, but we're not sure how true that is. All will be confirmed when the 19 man squads are revealed on Saturday.

Leeds Rhinos: Webb, Donald, Senior, Smith, Burrow, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ellis, Sinfield, Lauitiiti, Scruton, Tansey, Hall, Burgess, Allan, Kaye, Worrall.

Bradford Bulls: Tadulala, Newton, Halley, Feather, Platt, Deacon, Harris, Lynch, Evans, Hape, Solomona, Kopczak, Burgess, Nero, Godwin, Jeffries, Finnigan, Cook, James.

Crowd: 19,296

Referee: Steve Ganson

Video Referee: Ashley Klein

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