Salford (10) 22
Tries: Broughton, Gibson 2, Cashmere Goals: Tyrer 3
Leeds (4) 31
Tries: Kirke, Hall 2, Sinfield, Donald Goals: Sinfield 5 Drop goal: Sinfield

Sinfield proved the difference between the teams

Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield scored 15 points as the Rhinos came back from a half-time deficit to beat Salford.

The Reds took the lead through Rhinos old boy Jodie Broughton, before Ian Kirke crossed to level the scores.

But the hosts led 12-4 at half-time with Ashley Gibson crossing and Steve Tyrer kicking two goals.

Ryan Hall, Sinfield and Scott Donald touched down for Leeds, before Ray Cashmere gave Salford hope and Hall and Gibson both doubled their tallies.

Salford, who could still finish bottom of Super League, had a dream start when Malcolm Alker fed Broughton to cross for his fourth try in three matches.

606: DEBATE We are running out of games to get on a run to the GF. We need some good team performances drsrhino unofficial MAC member

But Danny McGuire set up Kirke for only his second Super League touchdown this season.

Gibson muscled through to touch over in the corner against his former club and the Rhinos looked in trouble when Tyrer converted the effort and added a penalty. And it could have been worse had Adam Sidlow not had a try disallowed for a forward pass by Matty Smith.

Leeds started putting on pressure and Brett Delaney had a try disallowed for double movement, and Danny McGuire squandered a great chance when he spilled Ali Lauitiiti's pass.

But Lauitiiti got the Super League champions back into it with a touch of class to give Hall a walk-in try.

Sinfield added two points and then waltzed through for a try of his own, which he converted to make it 16-12.

The captain kicked a penalty and converted Donald's long-range try.

Ray Cashmere then ploughed through Luke Burgess's tackle for his first try in two years at the club. And Tyrer pulled the lead back to six points.

But Sinfield ended any nerves his side might have had with a drop goal, before Hall and Gibson both added late tries.

Salford coach Shaun McRae:

"It was a terrific effort but we did not handle their offloads in the second half.

"When Leeds get in that mood they are a difficult side to stop. I was delighted with our first-half performance but Leeds changed their game plan and we lost the territorial battle and the final scoreline.

"But we kept trying and working hard and it needed a couple of special efforts for Leeds to get on top.

"We could have taken a couple of opportunities but young Mark Sneyd is tough and did some good things on his full debut.

"Ray Cashmere is extremely influential for us and never does things at less than 100%."

Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McClennan:
"Salford had the better of us, particularly in the second quarter. They were all over us and were dominant.

"Fortunately we were able to get 13 points ahead with five minutes to go. We defended better in the third quarter or else we may have slipped up and lost.

"It was a terrific effort but we were a bit disjointed. We need to work together and get more harmony because we have some big games coming up.

"It's good to be in the top four but we are searching more for enjoyment of performance and this was a step back from last week against Huddersfield. We were not as good today."

Salford: Fitzpatrick, Broughton, Henry, Gibson, Tyrer, Sneyd, M Smith, Cashmere, Alker, Boyle, Littler, Sidlow, Swain.
Replacements: J Smith, Parker, Adamson, Neal.

Leeds: Webb, Donald, Delaney, Smith, Hall, Sinfield, McGuire, Leuluai, Buderus, Bailey, Kirke, Jones-Buchanan, Clarkson.
Replacements: Ablett, Burgess, Lauitiiti, McShane.

Referee: Phil Bentham (Warrington)

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version