Leeds maintain late push

Kevin Sinfield
12 April 2012

Leeds maintained their late-season revival to clinch an unlikely trip to Old Trafford while for their opponents it all ended in tears as Kevin Sinfield broke Warrington hearts.

There was a touch of deja vu as Sinfield landed a last-gasp penalty to secure a 26-24 victory over the Super League leaders in Friday night's gripping qualifying semi-final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. It came just eight weeks after the Rhinos captain kicked the golden-point extra-time penalty in their Challenge Cup semi-final win over Castleford.

"It's very satisfying," said Leeds coach Brian McDermott, who was under pressure in mid-season with his team lying in eighth position but has guided the Rhinos to a fourth Old Trafford appearance in five years at his first attempt. "The challenge is to keep in control when things are going awry and we've done that."

He added: "This team has got integrity, courage and honour and even when things are not going in the right direction we haven't once moaned.

"I'm that proud of the players and glad for them that, for all stick they've copped this year, we find ourselves in the Grand Final."

England winger Ryan Hall scored two second-half tries, the second a magnificent long-range effort fashioned by half-backs Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire, as Leeds came from 12-6 down to lead 24-18 after an hour.

In a pulsating final quarter, Warrington's Chris Riley grabbed his second try following an enforced switch from wing to full-back and Chris Bridge's fourth goal brought the scores level for a fourth time.

Warrington winger Matt King thought he had won it for his side on his final home appearance when he went in for his second try but slow-motion replays showed he grounded the ball short of the line.

As the tension mounted, Hall had a third try disallowed by video referee Ian Smith for the slightest of knock-ons in the build-up and then Sinfield hit the woodwork with an ambitious penalty from the halfway line.

It seemed the tie was destined to go into extra time, especially when Sinfield's drop-goal attempt was charged down by Richie Myler, but referee Steve Ganson pulled the Wolves up for offside and Sinfield made them pay.

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