Amor proves worth to leave old club floundering

Wakefield 38 Leeds 18

The champions' charge towards Super League's top four ran out of steam as lowly Wakefield ended their six-match winning run last night. Wakefield led 18-4 at half-time after comprehensively outplaying their mighty neighbours and were impressively led by Kyle Amor, on extended loan from Leeds. Leeds' Brent Webb was relieved only to be placed on report for a late, high challenge on Danny Kirmond before the game's first try when Andy Raleigh lunged over despite four defenders in attendance after eight minutes.

Stevie Ward made the break that set up Kallum Watkins for Leeds, although Kevin Sinfield missed what would have been the equalising conversion. Kirmond had one effort disallowed for offside as Wakefield continued to ask the questions and Frankie Mariano failed to touch down from Tim Smith's grubber.

Paul Sykes delivered proof that Leeds were off their game defensively when he wrestled his way through Sinfield to score. It went from bad to worse when Sinfield put his kick-off straight into touch and Kirmond crossed from Sykes' pass.

Oliver Wilkes was put on report for a suspect tackle on Rob Burrow early in the second half. From that possession, Sinfield kicked for Ryan Hall to catch, touch down and revive Leeds' hopes. Moments later, the same combination struck again and the Rhinos, second best for so long, were a mere four points behind.

They looked set to complete their comeback, but then Sykes' break and Danny Washbrook's try put Trinity back in command once more.

When Amor and Raleigh kept the ball alive and Kyle Wood plunged over the home side were within sight of a famous victory.

Ten minutes from time, Hall completed his hat-trick from another Sinfield kick, to ensure there would be no relaxing finish until Dean Collis and Peter Fox made it safe with late tries for the home side.

Wakefield: Mathers; Fox, Collis, L Smith, Cockayne; Sykes, T Smith; Amor, Ellis, Raleigh, Mariano, Kirmond, Washbrook.Substitutes used: Wood, Trout, Wilkes, Johnson.

Leeds: Webb; Jones-Bishop, Watkins, Hardaker, Hall; Ward, Sinfield; Leuluai, Burrow, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Hauraki, Kirke. Substitutes used: Griffin, Moore, Lunt, Keinhorst.

Referee: R Silverwood (Mirfield)