Leeds return to winning ways in 14-try thriller

Leeds 44 Wakefield 4

Leeds coach Brian McDermott was a relieved man after watching his side edge out Wakefield 44-40 in a 14-try feast at Headingley last night.

Winger Ben Jones-Bishop (right) scored three of the Rhinos' seven tries and skipper Kevin Sinfield kicked eight goals from as many attempts as they secured a crucial victory to lift themselves back into the top eight of Stobart Super League.

McDermott conceded the champions are still well below their best but, with 10 players backing up from international duty 48 hours earlier, he was happy with a win, only his side's second in six league matches.

Wakefield, who were on a high after three consecutive victories, twice held the lead after causing all sorts of problems for a shell-shocked Leeds defence with their enterprising play.

"They are a team who have got momentum and they clearly came here to play," McDermott said. "I thought we looked nervous and edgy. We were anxious in the early stages and conceded some soft tries. We had one structured attacking set in the whole of the first half which is unusual.

"We had to get ourselves off the canvas and we did that. It doesn't fix everything but it was a very encouraging win."

Wakefield coach Richard Agar was delighted with the brand of football produced by his side, but not with the result. "To score 40 points at Headingley and not get the win is a tough one for us to take," he said.