Leigh Leopards battle to win against Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos 16 - 20 Leigh Leopards
A heroic defensive display from Leigh Leopards ended Leeds Rhinos' 100% home record in Super League this season
Author | Amy W
Stadium | Headingley
The victory secured two precious points in their push for a place in the top six.
A closer analysis of what happened
Innes Senior scored twice in the first half for the visitors, but it was their work without the ball after the interval that proved decisive. Leigh restricted Leeds to just two points after the break, underlining the progress made under Adrian Lam.
On a balmy August evening, Leeds dominated possession and territory but repeatedly found themselves frustrated by a resolute Leopards defence. The defeat leaves the door open for Wigan to draw level with Leeds at the top of the table if they beat Bradford Bulls on Saturday.
Ryan Hall, who had scored just two minutes into his return from injury, looked to have rescued Leeds late on. However, his second try was ruled out after his trailing foot was adjudged to have touched the line.
Leeds restored their narrow advantage through Connor's boot five minutes after the restart, only for Charnley to accelerate down the right once more. Hanley provided the support on his inside and slid over to put Leigh back in front.
With 20 minutes remaining, Andrew Badrock was sent to the sin-bin for dangerous contact on Harry Newman. Leigh responded with a fearless defensive effort from 12 men, refusing to concede a single point during Badrock's absence.
Leeds thought they had finally drawn level with just over three minutes left when Hall powered over in the left corner. But Hanley's superb scramble defence forced his trailing right foot into touch, allowing Leigh to survive once again.
A huge 40/20 from Connor gave Leeds possession deep in Leigh territory with 30 seconds remaining, but Liam Horne held on to another grubber from the Leeds half-back as the Leopards held firm to complete a league double over the leaders.
Leigh coach Adrian Lam told the media after the match.
"Obviously very happy and very pleased, but just a completely different game than what we're used to, just defending that whole second half. I guess the word courage comes to mind. I thought they hung in there together and probably the best that they've hung in there all year, which is important.
"We needed to defend well here if we were going to win tonight, but I didn't think we'd get that level of commitment to each other – and that's not being negative. It's just the reality of it."
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