Leeds 20-12 Hull KR
Rhinos Overcome Stern Robins In Testing Opening Game.
Match report of the opening game of the season between Leeds Rhinos and Hull Kingston Rovers.
Leeds opened their 2008 Super League campaign with a hard fought marginal victory over Hull Kingston Rovers at Headingley on Saturday night.
The game which is the round three fixture of the Super League calendar, because of Leeds' participation in the World Club Challenge fixture versus Melbourne Storm, demonstrated to Rhinos coach Brian McClennan how much work they have to do if they are to overcome the Australian champions at Leeds United Football Club's Elland Road Stadium in two weeks time.
Robins no pushovers
Hull KR, who are in the second season in the elite after a decade outside the top league, proved competitive opponents, something which will almost encourage coach Justin Morgan, setting the benchmark for his side's season.
Leeds started brightly and were rewarded when Scott Donald finished off a lovely flowing move. The ball was passed out to the evergreen Keith Senior, who found a gap to release Donald who finished easily. Captain Kevin Sinfield failed to add the extras.
The Robins showed they were no pushovers however, after substitute Ben Cockayne broke away and found support from new signing Jake Webster to cross over the whitewash, for his first of the evening. Webster also converted, to give the Robins a 6-4 lead at half-time.
Leeds rally despite early setback
Many fans would usually say that the champions would come out fighting after half-time, and to an extent the Rhinos did.
However, a shock was on the cards when Jake Webster grabbed his second try of the night, leaving Leeds looking disconsolate, demoralised and down-and-out.
Leeds were on the attack but lost the ball, and found themselves under pressure for the first time since the first half. The ball was played out to Webster who found a hole to charge forty metres to crash over. Scott Murrell added a further two points from the resulting conversion.
However, the early second half pressure took its toll on the Robins finally, after they had fought resiliently, with Leeds crossing for two tries.
Smith to the rescue!
Lee Smith seemed to be the one who benefited, when a sublime passing move from one side of the pitch to the other left wide gaps for Smith to scythe is way through and cross for another four-pointer.
And Smith grabbed a quick second to relieve the pressure and put Leeds back in front, after Hull KR's Ben Galea fumbled a Danny McGuire kick leaving Smith to pounce again.
And the game was all but sealed up when the inspirational McGuire got his own name on the scoresheet, leaving the full time score Leeds Rhinos 20, Hull Kingston Rovers 12.
