Round 17
Harlequins 14 l. Leeds Rhinos 48

2009 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

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

Burrow the star as Leeds crush Harlequins
Sun June 21, 2009
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Rob Burrow provided the inspiration as Leeds Rhinos crushed Harlequins 48-14 to cut the gap on St Helens at the engage Super League summit. Burrow injected pace and urgency as Leeds ran in eight tries as they blitzed the previously in-form Quins.

The visitors led just 20-8 at the break but cut loose in the second half to stamp out any hopes Quins had of staging a comeback. It was the hosts who hit the ground running, Danny Orr's clever floated pass allowing the lurking Chris Melling to stroll over in the corner.

However, Leeds hit back with their first serious threat, Danny McGuire's kick through seeing Kevin Sinfield win the race to the touch down just ahead of Orr. And minutes later they extended their advantage as Jamie Peacock and Brent Webb engineered a searing break and McGuire himself was on hand to apply the finish.

Quins looked dazed, but their defence held firm and they clawed themselves back into the contest when Orr's towering kick was misjudged by Scott Donald, David Howell profiting. Both the hosts' Daniel Heckenberg and Leeds' Ali Lauitiiti went agonisingly close as the action swung from one end to the end, but it was the Rhinos who capitalised before half-time, Burrow setting up a score for Jamie Jones-Buchanan. The try was converted by Sinfield, who also booted an on-the-hooter penalty.

Any thoughts Quins may have had about a second-half revival were snuffed out moments after the restart, a crazy pass from Sharp gifting possession to the Rhinos and Webb took advantage, setting up Donald for a killer score.

Leeds had their tails up and, as the home defence began to show signs of wear and tear, the visitors stepped on the gas. Webb himself was the next to cross, with further scores following from Danny Buderus and Lee Smith as the Rhinos ran riot. Chad Randall relieved the pressure on Quins when he barged over at the other end, but Ryan Hall crossed late on to highlight Leeds' dominance.


Harlequins Rugby League v Leeds Rhinos Preview
Fri June 19, 2009
Source: www.quins.co.uk

Harlequins Rugby League head coach, Brian McDermott, has revealed his 19 man squad to face Super League champions, Leeds Rhinos, on Saturday (6pm KO).

Former Leeds academy player Luke Gale retains his place after impressing during last week's 40-10 victory over Hull KR, whilst prop Danny Ward has been named for the first time since picking up a calf injury in round 13.

Harlequins have beaten Leeds on the last two meetings between the sides, which included a 21-4 victory at Headingley in round 11. However McDermott says this means nothing:

"The dangerous thing for us will be if we believe the last two games against Leeds have a bearing on Saturday. Leeds won't come here looking for revenge, they want to recapture their best form.

"We have injuries at the moment, as do Leeds; but I'll sending out my best team and I want to beat Leeds, there's no question about that."

Earlier this week it was revealed that Luke Dorn has fractured his fibula and will miss the next 6 weeks. Meanwhile second rower Chad Robinson and prop Gareth Haggerty are both expected to be fit within the next few weeks.

The Harlequins 19-man squad in full:
Tony Clubb
Matt Gafa
Luke Gale
Matt Gardner
Jason Golden
Daniel Heckenberg
David Howell
Joe Mbu
Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook
Chris Melling
Danny Orr
Rob Purdam
Chad Randall
Will Sharp
Karl Temata
Sam Thompson
Danny Ward
Jon Wells
Luke Williamson

Prior to Saturday's Super League match, the first British and Irish Lions will be shown on the giant outdoor screen - kick off 2pm, admission to the ground from 1.30pm.

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