King in command as Tykes' run ends

Leeds 15 Wasps 18

Duncan Bech
Monday 02 December 2002 01:00 GMT
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Leeds' director of rugby Phil Davies made no effort to conceal his disappointment after watching his side collapse to their first home defeat of the season.

The Tykes went down 18-15 at Headingley yesterday as Wasps produced a workmanlike performance to secure their fifth Premiership victory of an indifferent league campaign.

"It's a shame. This was our last league match before Christmas and we should have gone into our European and Powergen Cup games on the back of a win," Davies said. "We've done great things this season so it's disappointing to enter the league break with a result like that. But at least we finished with a bonus point."

The Tykes have been formidable at home this season but despite producing a performance full of their customary grit and determination they could not overcome a powerful Wasps side.

Alex King was in commanding form at fly-half for the visitors, kicking five points and showing his finishing skills to outwit Tykes full-back Dan Scarborough for the first try of the match. Josh Lewsey added another in the 39th minute as Wasps built up a lead they never relinquished, despite the best efforts of Braam van Straaten, whose pinpoint kicking kept Leeds in touch throughout.

The Tykes finished bottom of the Premiership last season but some shrewd signings over the summer by Davies has seen his side become title contenders. The likes of Diego Albanese, Gordon Ross, Mark Regan and George Harder have added the firepower that was lacking in their first top-flight campaign.

They were beaten at their own game yesterday, however, as Wasps played with the commitment needed to beat a Leeds side who rarely know when they are beaten

"We won enough ball up front but didn't do anything with it," said Davies. "Our delivery was poor and we never really got our game going. We didn't keep possession and that cost us.

Braam van Straaten kept the Tykes in touch with a series of penalties but despite their narrow winning margin, Wasps were always on top.

"I think we needed the result more than they did," said Warren Gatland, the Wasps coach. "We've had a few bad results and that's affected our confidence and when you're confidence has taken a blow you're not so sure of your game. But I'm pleased with our performance this afternoon."

Leeds: Penalties Van Straaten 5. Wasps: Tries King, Lewsey; Conversions King; Penalties King 2.

Leeds: D Scarborough; C Hall, T Davies, B van Straaten, D Albanese; G Ross, D Hegarty; M Shelley, M Regan, G Kerr, C Murphy, T Palmer, A Popham, J Ponton, I Feaunati.

Wasps: J Lewsey; S Roiser, F Waters, S Abbott, K Logan; A King, R Howley; C Dowd, T Leota, W Green, S Shaw, R Birkett, M Lock, P Volley, P Scrivener.

Referee: Ashley Rowden (RFU).

Attendance: 4,751.

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