Leeds bounce back after bleak week

Hull 12 Leeds 26

Leeds put their recent dramas behind them to go back to the top of Super League with a victory that said much for the character within the squad.

Danny McGuire, Francis Cummins and Willie Poching scored the Rhinos' tries in a game dominated by penalties as Hull failed to take any of their opportunities until it was too late.

Even in Leeds' long history, there have been few weeks as turbulent as the one just ended, with two players going to jail and a coach who has kept them at the top of Super League for virtually all the season being shifted upstairs for next year.

"It's certainly been a difficult week for us all, but that was a good way to finish it off," said Rhino's coach Daryl Powell. "We showed a lot of spirit and togetherness. What's done is done, and we've got to get on with our jobs."

Hull is one of the least forgiving places in rugby and the KC Stadium was abuzz with anticipation as the home side, despite its own problems with injuries, set out to take full advantage of any uncertainties.

There was nothing uncertain about the start Leeds made with Kevin Sinfield kicking to the corner after four minutes and the ball bouncing kindly for Keith Senior, whoslipped the ball to McGuire.

Leeds were looking purposeful and when Dave Furner was held down, Sinfield put over his second goal. Hull thought they had struck back, but Graeme Horne's pass to put Peter Lupton over was clearly forward and it took three penalties from Paul Cooke to get them moving.

Opting to run one from long range, Hull wasted a good chance when Craig Greenhill spilled the ball, but they were making Leeds work hard.

Gary Connolly's uncharacteristic fumble under the high kick put Leeds under the cosh once more and, after 30 minutes, Chris McKenna was sinbinned for deliberate off-side.

Hull should have capitalised further, but knock-ons from Lupton and Kirk Yeaman helped to keep them tryless and leave Leeds clinging to their lead at half-time.

Hull were close but not close enough yet again at the start of the second half as Richard Horne lost control in grounding the ball. At the other end, Lupton did well to catch Mark Calderwood when the winger threatened to extend Leeds' advantage.

The last 20 minutes belonged to the Rhinos, with Sinfield's penalty and then a try to Cummins as Hull left the blind side open after McGuire got the ball out to Senior.

Two more Sinfield goals edged Leeds closer to victory, although Sean Ryan's footwork helped Graeme Horne to get over the Leeds' try line.

It took a crunching tackle from Connolly on Richard Horne to cut off a fight-back and when Yeaman lost the ball going for a last-minute intercept, Poching was there to make absolutely sure that Leeds would spend the night back on top of the table.

Hull: R Horne; Best, Yeaman, Wilkinson, Barnett; Cooke, G Horne; Greenhill, Treister, Carvell, Ryan, Fletcher, Lupton. Substitutes used: King, Dowes, Donkin, Last.

Leeds: Connolly; Calderwood, McKenna, Senior, Cummins; McGuire, Dunemann; McDonald, Diskin, McDermott, Furner, Adamson, Sinfield. Substitutes used: Burrow, Poching, Feather, Ward.

Referee: R Smith (Castleford).