4th Round
Leeds Rhinos 38 d. Celtic Crusaders 16

2008 Challenge Cup Index [Draw] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: Challenge Cup

Leeds into next round defeating gallant Crusaders
Sat April 19, 2008
Source: www.leedsrugby.com

Leeds Rhinos produced a solid performance to book their place in the Fifth round of the Cup with a 38-16 win including seven different try scorers.

Brian McClennan handed three of the Rhinos brightest young stars a debut at Headingley Carnegie as the home side looked to book their place in the Fifth Round against the ambitious Celtic Crusaders.

Ben Jones-Bishop came in for Brent Webb at full back whilst Kallum Watkins was named at centre in place of the injured Gareth Ellis. The final debutant was forward Danny Allan, who was amongst the replacements.

The Crusaders, who are one of 19 teams to have applied for a license for Super League next season, obviously sensed that a quick start may unsettle the young Rhinos and they came firing out at the home side. Jace Van Dijk was at the heart of their best attacks but Leeds were able to repel the threat.

Leeds then opened the scoring after seven minutes thanks to an incisive break by Danny McGuire. He burst through in midfield before finding Jones-Bishop in support, who was tackled just short of the line. However, Kevin Sinfield's cross field kick fell into the arms of Watkins, who powered towards the line before offloading to Lee Smith to score in the corner. Sinfield was unable to add the touchline conversion so it remained 4-0.

The home side seemed to settle into their rhythm after that and then produced a blistering passage of play with quick hands and even quicker play the balls sending the Crusaders scampering backwards. Eventually, the pressure told and Scott Donald touched down in the corner. Sinfield was again off target but Leeds now led 8-0 after 11 minutes.

It took the Rhinos another nine minutes to get their third try but when it came it was beautifully crafted. Jones-Bishop came into the line well from full back before producing a sublime reverse pass to Keith Senior, who powered up field. Senior drew the last man before sending Rob Burrow over for his side's third try of the night between the posts. Sinfield added the conversion to make it 14-0.

All credit must go to the Crusaders, despite playing top flight opposition they did not go into their shell after those early set backs and put the pressure back on the home side for the next ten minutes. They eventually got their reward when winger Anthony Blackwood finished off a cross field move to score in the corner. Mark Lennon was unable to add the conversion.

What appeared like mere consolation turned into a real fight back with three minutes remaining in the half when Blackwood finished off another flowing move after Watkins was penalised for offside five metres from his line when Smith knocked on. Lennon added a great conversion to make it 14-10 at the break.

The Rhinos were obviously stunned into action in the second half and they extended their lead just three minutes after the re-start. Danny Allan earned a penalty five metres from the Crusaders line before great strength and vision by McGuire set Matt Diskin away for his side's fourth try. Sinfield added the conversion to make it 20-10.

Once again the Crusaders did not lie down and kept pressuring the home side. However, a thundering break by Luke Burgess took his side up to half way then a trademark break by Burrow kept the move going. He flicked a pass back inside that went to ground but McGuire hacked ahead before diving one handed to get the ball down before the dead ball line. Sinfield added the conversion to make it 26-10 after 56 minutes.

Leeds continued the scoring after 65 minutes when Kallum Watkins latched onto a pass from Danny Williams to score a try to cap a solid debut from the young centre. Sinfield added the conversion to make it 32-10 to the home side.

It was then the turn of Keith Senior to become the Rhinos seventh different try scorer on the night as he spun out of a tackle to score in the corner. Burrow added a brilliant touchline conversion to make it 38-10 with seven minutes remaining.

However, there was still time for the Crusaders to get a much deserved consolation try. Initially, they were held up but the ball was fed along the line and Mark Dalle Cort touched down. Lennon added the conversion to make the final score 38-16.

Leeds Rhinos: Jones-Bishop, Smith, Watkins, Senior, Donald, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Diskin, Scruton, Peacock, Ablett, Sinfield
Subs: Williams, Burgess, Allan, Kaye

Celtic Crusaders: Lennon, Ballard, Hannay, Dalle Cort, Blackwood, Quinn, Van Dijk, James, Budworth, Dean, Beasley, Mapp, Wyatt
Subs: Webster, Summers, I'Anson, Tangata-Toa

Referee: Phil Bentham
Attendance: 5,087

Report source: www.leedsrugby.com

McClennan full of praise for Crusaders


Headingley Insight: Leeds v Celtic (Challenge Cup)
Thu April 17, 2008
Source: www.leedsrugby.com

In this weeks edition of Headingley Carnegie Insight, Leeds Coach Brian McClennan looks ahead to his side's clash with Celtic Crusaders at Headingley Carnegie on Friday night in the Carnegie Challenge Cup, kick off 8pm.

ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE START OF A NEW COMPETITION?
We are excited to be starting our Carnegie Challenge Cup campaign and we are fortunate to be at home. We know how determined the Celtic Crusaders are going to be and we know we have to be up for the challenge. We will have to play really well to advance to the next round, which should make for a great contest.

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CELTIC CRUSADERS?
The Crusaders have got a fair bit of experience in their squad, mainly with blokes from Queensland, and they have the key positions covered really well at full back, hooker and scrum half. They are pretty athletic throughout the side and they are well coached. They are dangerous opposition especially given our injury problems so we know we are in for a tough match.

We know there are a whole lot of variables surrounding Friday's game however. We face a side who have big expectations for Super League and we have drafted in a number of our younger guys to bolster the squad. We are really confident in the guys who have come in after they have impressed in training and the Reserve Academy and I am sure those who are here on Friday will be glad to say "I was there" in years to come to see their debuts.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE CARNEGIE CHALLENGE CUP TO YOU?
We spoke as a group about the Carnegie Challenge Cup in the build up to this week's game. As a collective group, only Franny Cummins and Keith Senior have actually won the trophy before, which shows how hungry the rest of us are to achieve our goals in this tournament this season. It would be a dream come true to have the opportunity to play at Wembley and walk up those steps to collect the trophy for our players but you have got to get there first before you get the chance to do that and that starts on Friday against the Crusaders.

The Carnegie Challenge Cup is a special competition and one that the English game should be very proud of. To have a tournament that has been played for 107 times is remarkable and shows the rich heritage of our game. The Challenge Cup and Wembley are two phrases that are known across the Rugby League globe.

LAST CHANCE TO MAKE SAVINGS ON CUP TICKETS
The Rhinos begin their Carnegie Challenge Cup campaign against Celtic Crusaders on Friday night and today is the last chance for fans to take advantage of some big discounts on tickets.
Fans who pre purchase their tickets for this fourth round clash can make massive savings, with adult tickets available from just 12 pounds whilst juniors can get their tickets for an incredible 1 pound. However today is the last chance to buy tickets at these discounted rates, with prices will go up by 3 whilst under 16's will have to pay the full concession rate. To book tickets fans should call 08700 606050 or simply click here to use our secure online booking service.

This match will see the Rhinos take on the Crusaders for the first time and with the Welsh outfit making an impressive start to this season this fixture is set to be an interesting contest with Leeds aiming to make it all the way to Wembley. The game kicks off at 8pm and turnstiles will be open at 6pm.

PRICES FOR CARNEGIE CHALLENGE CUP GAME ONLY
Advance:-
Seating Standing
15 Adults 12 Adults
10 Concessions 7 Concessions*
4 Juniors 1 Juniors
* Seniors over 65, students with valid ID and Under 21's

Prices on match day:-
Seating Standing
18 Adults 15 Adults
13 Concessions 10 Concessions

News sent by: www.leedsrugby.com

Wed April 16, 2008
• Rhinos draft in youngsters for Challenge Cup clash
  

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