Fifth-placed Leeds Rhinos win Grand Final title: Rugby League News
On Saturday, October 8, Leeds Rhinos clinched their fourth Engage Super League Grand Final title in five years by bagging a 32-16 victory over St. Helens at the Old Trafford.
With this win, the team has become the first franchise from fifth place within the league ladder to become Grand Final title winners. Meanwhile, Saints were defeated for the fifth time in a Grand Final match, which was nonetheless heart-wrenching for them
and their fans.
Rob Burrow was branded the Man of the Match a second time for the try scored during the first half of the game, which was followed by his assistance to Ryan Hall for a dazzling try in the second half of the clash.
Leeds’ fourth Grand Final Glory in five years has also created records of its own kind. This was Brian McDermott’s first season as Leeds’ head coach and by guiding his team to the Grand Final glory he becomes the third British coach in fourteen years to
achieve that feet.
Rhinos’ victory was also the perfect farewell for their departing players, Danny Buderus and Ali Lauitiiti. Lauitiiti, made his 200th appearance for Leeds and is scheduled to join in with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats the following season.
However, James Graham, who had co-captained Saints for almost a year now with Paul Wellens, had to sign off on a low note, with his season ending in defeat.
The game was packed with entertainment and the defence of both sides was praiseworthy and was evident from the fact that the first try took 33 minutes to score.
Saints’ Jamie Foster and Kevin Sinfield scored through penalties but the stronger side had already set their precedent through a 8-2 lead at half-time. This lead was constantly pursued by the opposing side until the end of the clash, which had kept the crowd
on the edge of their seats.
Saints continued to fight their way back into the game, especially during the third quarter of the game but the toll of injuries dampened the any hopes the Saints could have held on to.
Forty eight minutes into the fixture, Wellens had to walk out of the playing field because of a leg injury he sustained. This was closely followed by another major injury at the one hour mark. Michael Shenton had to bid farewell to his on-field role after
a shoulder injury which seemed to dampen St. Helen's spirits.
Both teams had gained a late surge in form to reach the Finals berth by beating the top two league franchises out of their spots in the final duel at Old Trafford. Both teams have come a long way this season in their title hunt and played a very entertaining
final.
Tags: