Leeds take time to prove superiority

Leeds 42 Oldham 16

Leeds made heavy weather of a depleted Oldham in the early stages of their Premiership tie last night before scoring six second-half tries to ensure themselves a visit to Wigan in next Monday's quarter-final, writes Dave Hadfield.

They began as though determined to give relegated Oldham some late-season consolation as they allowed Chris McKinney to put Paul Atcheson in for the opening try, and did their best to present their opponents with two more by throwing passes that invited Luke Goodwin to intercept. From the second of those opportunities, Scott Ranson arrived in support only to fall over his own feet near the line.

Leeds richly deserved to be further behind, but they struck back through Dean Lawford, whose extravagant dummy opened up the defence for a 50-yard scoring run.

Oldham kept their noses in front until shortly before half-time when, with Goodwin in the sin-bin for interfering in the tackle, Francis Cummins got away to score down the left.

Leeds were still precariously placed until their prop Martin Masella scored an excellent try six minutes into the second half, barging his way through a series of tackles. Leroy Rivett then ran away for an equally good solo try as Leeds at last began to make their extra quality tell.

Oldham continued to show more spirit than might be expected from a club with their depressing prospects, their substitute, Afi Leuila, going over thanks to Goodwin's long pass.

Another substitute, Darren Fleary, claimed his first try for Leeds by running on to Iestyn Harris's pass and Damien Gibson's long break set up Graham Holroyd. Tony Newton and Richie Blackmore rounded it off against a tiring defence before Howard Hill's late gesture.

Leeds: Gibson; Hassan, Blackmore, Cummins, Rivett; Harris, Lawford; Field, Collins, Masella, Hay, Farrell, Newton. Substitutes used: Holroyd, Golden, Cantillon, Fleary.

Oldham: Atcheson; Jones, Hill, Cowan, Ranson; Maloney, Deacon; Lord, McKinney, Temu, Faimalo, Topping, Goodwin Substitutes used: Myler, Guest, Leuila, McNicholas.

Referee: J Connoly (Wigan).