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Page last updated at 16:42 GMT, Monday, 13 April 2009 17:42 UK

Leeds 20-30 Salford

Leeds (6) 20
Tries: Jones-Buchanan, Hall, Senior, PeacockGoals: Sinfield 2

Salford (16) 30
Tries: Wilshere, Henry, Myler, Paul, TurnerGoals: Wilshere 5


Salford's John Wilshere
John Wilshere scored the opening try of the game for the Reds

Salford caused a huge surprise by defeating champions Leeds for their first win at Headingley in 32 years.

Tries from John Wilshere, Mark Henry, Richie Myler and Robbie Paul had helped put the impressive Reds 22-6 ahead early in the second half.

Leeds rallied and scores by Ryan Hall, Keith Senior and Jamie Peacock put them back in contention.

But Jordan Turner scored a late interception try in the final minute to secure the famous win for Salford.

The visitors drew first blood with Wilshere following up Jeremy Smith's shrewd kick to touch down near the posts and then adding the extras.

More slack defending by the Rhinos allowed Turner to send winger Henry scampering in at the corner to extend the Reds advantage.

Danny McGuire had a try disallowed for Leeds and Ryan Bailey lost possession on the line soon afterwards but the home team's pressure was finally rewarded after 32 minutes.

Brent Webb changed the direction of play and Kevin Sinfield sent Jamie Jones-Buchanan over. Sinfield's conversion reduced the deficit to four points.

However, Leeds controversially fell further behind on the stroke of half-time after referee James Child failed to penalise Smith for holding back McGuire, who had just kicked to the corner.

606: DEBATE

With the hooter sounding, teenage half-back Richie Myler broke clear from his own half to score the Reds' third try and Wilshere's goal made it 16-6 at the break.

Myler breached the Rhinos defence again with a clever kick for Paul to score under the posts shortly after the restart.

Webb and Senior carved out a try for winger Hall and veteran centre Senior raised hopes with Leeds' third try.

Peacock then barged his way over but Turner sprinted clear from his own half to seal Salford's victory and complete a miserable Easter for Leeds, who lost at Bradford on Good Friday.


Leeds coach Brian McClennan:
"As hard as it is to take, if we handle this right it can be a good thing because you find out a lot about people in adversity.

"As a club we have had a lot of success, winning back-to-back championships, but right now our confidence is down and there is a bit of indecision.

"Everyone gets very upset, almost to the point of depression when we don't do well because expectations are so high among the players - almost too much at times.

"We have to keep believing in ourselves and our systems. We will come out of this and we will come out of it stronger."

Salford coach Shaun McRae:
"That was only our third victory at Leeds in over half a century.

"We knew that and set out to create a bit of history. There were players out there who have been written off but they showed what they could do.

"I am elated by what happened, but as in all games there were things we did well and things we didn't do quite so well and can work on."


Leeds: Webb, Jones-Bishop, Ablett, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Burgess, Diskin, Bailey, Jones-Buchanan, Kirke, Sinfield.
Replacements: Leuluai, Lauitiiti, Peacock, Buderus.

Salford: Wilshere, Henry, Littler, Turner, Ratchford, Smith, Myler, Cashmere, Alker, Stapleton, Adamson, Parker, Swain.
Replacements: Sibbit, Leuluai, Paul, Jewitt.

Referee: J Child (RFL)



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see also
Bradford 10-6 Leeds
10 Apr 09 |  Rugby League
Salford 18-16 Warrington
10 Apr 09 |  Rugby League


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