 | MATCH SUMMARY Leeds 15
Tries: Bell, Doherty
Cons: Ross
Drop goals: Ross London Irish 6
Pens: Mapletoft 2 |
David Doherty scored a sparkling try on his way to taking the man of the match award as Leeds reached the Powergen Cup final by defeating London Irish. Doherty, just 18, was a constant threat for the Tykes, who thoroughly deserved to reach their first Twickenham final.
Doherty played a major part in Chris Bell's opening try for Leeds and his second-half score took them clear.
Gordon Ross kicked five points for Leeds, while the Irish could only manage two Mark Mapletoft penalties.
Leeds might be bottom of the Zurich Premiership but they started brighter than their visitors and nearly opened the scoring when quick ball off the top at a lineout enabled Ross to slice through the Irish defence.
|  The final is great and everyone can get excited about it but for me it's important we stay in the Premiership |
Phil Christophers was on his shoulder but Justin Bishop got back to make a try-saving tackle.
The opening score came after 17 minutes and Doherty was heavily involved.
The youngster, a national schools sprint champion, made a half-break past Bishop and fed prop Rayno Gerber, whose quick pass sent Bell cruising over from 40 yards.
Ross was unable to convert but he did nudge Leeds further ahead through a drop goal, only for the Exiles to immediately hit back through a Mapletoft penalty.
| Obviously any side with their backs to the wall is going to be tough but I really do feel that we let ourselves down today |
Despite their control Leeds only led 8-3 at the break and Irish cut the gap to just two points through a second Mapletoft penalty after 53 minutes.
It looked as though Leeds might be in trouble but with 20 minutes to go they made the game safe.
When the ball came out to Doherty he had little room to work in and Michael Horak barring his way.
But the teenager produced a big side step, and scorched over in the corner for a converted try with Horak left floundering on the ground behind him.
Leeds: Balshaw, Rees, Christophers, Bell, Doherty, Ross, McMillan, Shelley, Regan, Gerber, Murphy, Palmer, Morgan, Parks, Rigney.
Replacements: Dickens for McMillan (56), Rawlinson for Regan (53), Hooper for Murphy (53).
Not Used: Cusack, Dunbar, Hyde, McMullen.
London Irish: Horak, Staniforth, Penney, Catt, Bishop, Mapletoft, Edwards, Hatley, Russell, Hardwick, Kennedy, Casey, Gustard, Dawson, Reid.
Replacements: Mordt for Staniforth (33), Everitt for Mapletoft (66), Hodgson for Edwards (72), Flavin for Russell (50), Strudwick for Kennedy (49), Murphy for Gustard (53).
Not Used: Wheatley.
Referee: T Spreadbury (England).
MMIX
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