Leeds Rhinos 28-6 Celtic Crusaders


Hannay converted the try
By Chris O'Brien
February 23 2009

Despite a spirited second-half display, the Celtic Crusaders saw their Super League history kick-off with an expected defeat at the hands of world champions Leeds. Nearly 15,000, including 100 or so vocal travelling fans from South Wales, watched on as the Rhinos burst out of the traps to quickly stamp their authority on the game.

Leeds RhinosCeltic Crusaders
286
Attendance: 14,827
Friday 6th February, Headingly

Lee Smith bagged two first-half tries, with Scott Donald and Ryan Hall also registering scores as the home side raced into a 22-0 half-time lead.

Darren Map thought he had bagged the Crusaders' first Super League try eight minutes before the break - but the video referee ruled out the effort after Jordan James was deemed to have caused obstruction in the build-up.

John Dixon's men staged a commendable second-half comeback and gave Leeds a scare. Our try came on 55 minutes as Luke Dyer raced onto a superb kick from captain van Disk and ran in a fine try. Josh Hanna kicked the conversion before Crusaders threatened a second-try which could have inspired the most unlikely of comebacks.

However, a shaken Leeds outfit held firm and grabbed their fifth try at the death as Ablest ran over. Both teams ended the game with twelve-men after Jamie Peacock and Celtic's Adam Peek traded blows.

The first-half display was disappointing with the Crusaders looking well out of their depth. However, after the break, Dixon's team showed courage and looked competitive and can be proud of securing a second-half tie. This will prove one of the toughest tests of the season and the Crusaders were not left embarrassed.

Leeds Rhinos: Smith, Donald, Watkins, Senior, Hall, Sinfield, McGuire, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Lauitiiti, Ablett. Replacements: Kirke, Burgess, Allan, Mcshane.

Celtic Crusaders: Duggan, Dyer, Hannay, Dalle Cort, Blackwood, Smith, Van Dijk, O'Hara, Budworth, Bryant, Peek, Mapp, Lupton. Replacements: Quinn, Flower, J. James, Beasley.

Leeds Rhinos 28-6 Celtic Crusaders
Posted by: Celtic Crusaders (IP Logged)
Date: 23/02/2009 16:09

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

This is a moderated forum. Your message will remain hidden until it has been approved by a moderator or administrator
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net