Rhinos
tame Broncos
Leeds roared back
from an early deficit to overpower the London Broncos and open their Super
League campaign with a 50-18 victory.
London Broncos made a dream start to their 2001 campaign, taking an 18 - 0
against Leeds.
Early Broncos pressure saw a kick through bounce off a Rhinos defender and
Steele Retchless pounced on the ball to cross.
Just minutes later a mistake by Karl Pratt gave the Broncos possession and their
new Aussie star Jason Hetherington crashed through the Leeds defence.
The video referee was called in before the try was allowed but after more
Broncos pressure, another Leeds mistake, this time by Cummins, opened the way
for Shane Millard to race in, and with Brett Warton converting all three tries
London after 20 minutes looked in control.
The Rhinos had also lost full back Marcus St Hilaire to injury, paving the way
for their speedy young winger Mark Calderwood to make his debut.
It could have been even worse for Leeds but winger Karl Pratt made amends for
his earlier mistake by chasing back as the Broncos broke clear with a try-saving
tackle.
The Rhinos seemed to grow in confidence after this let off and although Keith
Senior had a try disallowed it wasn't long before they opened their account when
a flowing movement saw Chev Walker, who was on for Sheridan, cross the London
tryline.
Harris converted and after Warton missed a penalty Leeds broke again.
The Broncos felt that Andy Hay's pass to Keith Senior was forward but the
officials didn't see anything wrong and with Harris again adding the 'extras'
the Rhinos were right were back in the hunt.
The half time hooter soon followed, with the Broncos having their early lead
pegged back with an 18 - 12 interval scoreline.
It was the Rhinos who opened the second half scoring after a tremendous
crossfield kick from Kevin Sinfield on the last tackle was collected by Karl
Pratt who crossed in the corner.
Harris missed the conversion but the Rhinos were now within two points of the
home side and looking strong.
A penalty to Leeds was quickly taken by the impressive Sinfield who caught the
Broncos napping and crashed through for another Rhinos try.
Harris converted and with a 22-18 lead it was now the visitors who were bossing
matters.
The Broncos were visibly wilting and after good work from Farrell, Leeds worked
an overlap for Senior to score his second try which brought a touchline
conversion from Harris to extend his side lead to 28-18.
And it was no surprise when after more Leeds pressure a strong Hay break created
an opening for Karl Pratt to grab his second try, with the inevitable Harris
conversion.
It was now becoming a procession and good work by Harris opened the door for
Chev Walker to score his second try.
Senior raced clear for his hat-trick try and minutes later Mathiou crossed.
Harris converted Walker and Mathiou's efforts to put the Rhinos 50-18 up.
There was no time for any further scoring, but after falling behind 18-0, Leeds,
having hit back with fifty unanswered points were more than good value for their
win.
