Tonight saw the two Super League XIII heavyweights fight it out to claim the last piece of silverware and become Super League champions of 2008.
St Helens had finished top of the table and Leeds Rhinos were in second place, a point behind. The Rhinos came into the match as the underdogs and Saints were expected to beat them by a significant amount.
Saints were first to score with a try from the Man of Steel 2008, James Graham. Sean Long converted the kick to give St Helens a 6-0 lead.
Lee Smith hit back for the Rhinos and Kevin Sinfield converted the kick to pull the scores level. Ryan Hall added another try and Sinfield converted the kick again to give Leeds a 12-6 lead at half time.
Daniel Anderson, in his last match ever as Head Coach for St Helens, was furious with his side and gave them a half time team talk that will still be probably ringing in their ears now!!
It seemed to do the trick as they scored first in the second half, Matt Gidley scoring the try and Long converting the kick. The scores were level again and it looked like the Lancashire side would kick it up a notch to take the spoils.
Danny McGuire had other ideas and ran in for a try for the Rhinos which was converted again by an in-form Sinfield. The lead didn't last long before Ade Gardner went over the try line for Saints. Long failed to convert the kick and the score was 16-18 to Leeds Rhinos.
McGuire sealed the Rhinos victory with another try and a sure footed Sinfield converted to make the final score 16-24. The Rhinos thoroughly deserved the win as their defence was outstanding. It is also the first time that Leeds Rhinos have won two trophies back to back.
St Helens 16 - Leeds Rhinos 24
- maria1970's blog
- Login or register to post comments