Round 17
Salford City Reds 18 l. Leeds Rhinos 19

2006 English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: English Super League

McGuire to the rescue
Mon June 19, 2006
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Danny McGuire rescued Leeds as the Rhinos snatched a last-gasp 19-18 win at Salford. The engage Super League's second-placed side had trailed 18-12 until McGuire levelled the scores and then snatched victory with a late drop goal.

David Hodgson had put Salford, who rediscovered all their early-season ferocity, in command with a superb 14-point display in a compelling encounter. It was Salford's third loss to the Rhinos this season and their seventh defeat in nine games but they took most of the plaudits from a game they controlled for most of the 80 minutes.

Leeds put the hosts under plenty of early pressure and Lee Smith was stopped inches short but Salford weathered the storm and took an eighth-minute lead through Andy Coley. The prop raced through by the posts from a smart Luke Robinson pass to offer Hodgson a simple conversion.

The Rhinos response was swift with stand-off McGuire creating a try for Chev Walker from nothing. McGuire, restored to the side after being rested last week, evaded a challenge on halfway and left the defence trailing before putting Bath-bound centre Walker over. With Kevin Sinfield adding the extras and McGuire setting up another quick attack, the Rhinos looked to take charge but Salford hit back again. Hodgson had a try in the corner disallowed for crossing but the winger did land two penalties to put his side into a 10-6 half-time lead.

It could have been worse for the Rhinos at the interval but for some fierce tackling which held Reds full-back Karl Fitzpatrick up over the line. Aaron Moule also went close to a second Salford try after the break but, not surprisingly, Leeds lifted the tempo with Willie Poching powering through to score. Sinfield converted to edge the visitors ahead for the first time but their lead did not last long as Hodgson levelled up again with another penalty.

Salford were clearly up for the challenge and after Simon Finnigan was denied by a fierce Walker hit, they spread the ball wide for Hodgson to dive over by the flag. He then landed a brilliant touchline conversion to give Salford an 18-12 advantage but once again McGuire came to Leeds' rescue. The prolific spotted another gap as the Rhinos attacked and darted through from 20 metres for a try Sinfield improved to level again.

Both sides had chances to exert pressure as they chased a late winner but the Reds defence stood firm and Leeds had a let-off when Andrew Dunemann knocked on. As time ticked away a draw looked likely but McGuire completed his late salvage act with the winning drop goal in the 79th minute.

Report source: www.superleague.co.uk

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