Leeds Rhinos V Hull FC Super League 2016
- 8 years ago
Leeds Rhinos defied the form book as they edged to a 20-18 victory over Hull in a thrilling First Utility Super League clash at a rain-soaked Headingley Carnegie.
The defending champions went into the game second from bottom following four straight defeats, in stark contrast to Hull's five wins in a row which had taken them third.
But the Rhinos dug deep to earn a crucial win which moved them back to within eight points of the top four.
Leeds went into half-time with a slender 8-6 lead courtesy of Jordan Lilley's penalty after Jimmy Keinhorst and Chris Green had exchanged converted tries.
Kirk Yeaman put Hull in front for the first time but Lilley added the extras to his own try to make it 14-12 to the Rhinos heading into the closing stages.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan powered his way over to give Leeds breathing space only for Danny Houghton to set up a grandstand finish.
Jordan Thompson chased his hack forward with open field in front of him in a dramatic finish but Ash Handley ran back to kick the ball dead and spark wild celebrations.
Brian McDermott insists Leeds have plenty of work to do, despite halting a four-match losing run.
"I'm pleased for the players and the fans have been great throughout this tough period," said Rhinos head coach McDermott.
"You don't realise how good a club you've got until you go through some tough periods. The club has been really supportive.
"There's some benefits in winning that one and I'm pleased, but at the same time it wasn't great and we've got some work to do.
"All the way through that second half we certainly defended anxiously and looked tired. We're not that tired, but they're walking around like they're mega tired at the moment. That's the situation we're in.
"The thought of losing again would have probably got to them.
"I don't think we're going to come to work on Monday and think everything is all right and we're back on the horse. There's some things we need to get on top of.
"While it's great that we've won, and I will smile later on, I just thought there was too much ugly stuff in the second half for me to just come in and say, 'Oh we won and everything is all right'. That's not the case."
It was Hull's first defeat since Lee Radford was asked to leave the dressing room following last month's heavy loss at Widnes, but the Black and Whites head coach was not too despondent.
"I can't knock any of the effort, from both sides to be fair," he said.
"The conditions played a huge part in that game. Credit to them for getting the result.
"We've been beaten by a better team tonight. We didn't take our opportunities.
"We're disappointed not to get our sixth win on the bounce and the two points. I'm over the moon with the effort, but we've just got to get a bit better at being on our toes (after a line break).
"It was two depleted sides. They were desperate and we were desperate, we just didn't have enough in the tank to get on the front foot enough."
The defending champions went into the game second from bottom following four straight defeats, in stark contrast to Hull's five wins in a row which had taken them third.
But the Rhinos dug deep to earn a crucial win which moved them back to within eight points of the top four.
Leeds went into half-time with a slender 8-6 lead courtesy of Jordan Lilley's penalty after Jimmy Keinhorst and Chris Green had exchanged converted tries.
Kirk Yeaman put Hull in front for the first time but Lilley added the extras to his own try to make it 14-12 to the Rhinos heading into the closing stages.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan powered his way over to give Leeds breathing space only for Danny Houghton to set up a grandstand finish.
Jordan Thompson chased his hack forward with open field in front of him in a dramatic finish but Ash Handley ran back to kick the ball dead and spark wild celebrations.
Brian McDermott insists Leeds have plenty of work to do, despite halting a four-match losing run.
"I'm pleased for the players and the fans have been great throughout this tough period," said Rhinos head coach McDermott.
"You don't realise how good a club you've got until you go through some tough periods. The club has been really supportive.
"There's some benefits in winning that one and I'm pleased, but at the same time it wasn't great and we've got some work to do.
"All the way through that second half we certainly defended anxiously and looked tired. We're not that tired, but they're walking around like they're mega tired at the moment. That's the situation we're in.
"The thought of losing again would have probably got to them.
"I don't think we're going to come to work on Monday and think everything is all right and we're back on the horse. There's some things we need to get on top of.
"While it's great that we've won, and I will smile later on, I just thought there was too much ugly stuff in the second half for me to just come in and say, 'Oh we won and everything is all right'. That's not the case."
It was Hull's first defeat since Lee Radford was asked to leave the dressing room following last month's heavy loss at Widnes, but the Black and Whites head coach was not too despondent.
"I can't knock any of the effort, from both sides to be fair," he said.
"The conditions played a huge part in that game. Credit to them for getting the result.
"We've been beaten by a better team tonight. We didn't take our opportunities.
"We're disappointed not to get our sixth win on the bounce and the two points. I'm over the moon with the effort, but we've just got to get a bit better at being on our toes (after a line break).
"It was two depleted sides. They were desperate and we were desperate, we just didn't have enough in the tank to get on the front foot enough."