Leeds win League Leaders Shield in final second of

Leeds win League Leaders Shield in final second of thrilling match
Since winning the Challenge Cup Final Leeds form had dropped off. Three consecutive defeats followed. Having been clear leaders throughout the season the dream of winning league leaders shield seemed to be fading. On Thursday four teams were able to finish top but only Leeds weren't dependent on other teams losing. Leeds still led the table on 39 points. Wigan were on 39 but with a lower points scored tally. Huddersfield and saints were on 38. Warrington whose season was effectively over had nothing to lose and threw all they had at saints putting them out of contention. By Friday night two games remained to be played simultaneously, Wigan at home to Castleford and Huddersfield entertained Leeds. Should Leeds lose and Wigan win Wigan would claim the shield. Should Huddersfield win and Wigan lose Huddersfield would claim the shield. If Leeds won they would claim the shield. As night fell and tension built a helicopter flew above Huddersfield ready to depart with the shield for Wigan should things go their way. They very nearly did. Huddersfield, unlike Leeds, were in fine form going in to the game on the back of five consecutive wins. All pundits were backing Wigan. All commentary teams thought it beyond Leeds. The bias against Leeds is a strong one.
Wigan started well against Cas going two converted tries up. Cas replied with two converted tries nod a penalty to bring the score to 12 14. Soon Wigan took control and ran in a further 27 points. The fans there were listening to reports from Huddersfield where Leeds were losing to a strong Huddersfield. Both defences played brilliantly though it looked like Huddersfield were to be victorious until Leeds were awarded a late penalty. Sinfield opted to kick. This would give leeds a draw meaning they would finish second in the table but retain home advantage in the play offs. The dreamed treble would be off but the Grand Final would still be more attainable. After the kick only a minute or so was left to play. Leeds through the ball about and in the final second Ryan Hall found himself in space down the left wing. He charged over to score the try to bring leeds first league leaders shield for a while. Wigan fans left their stadia broken hearted. Leeds remain on for the treble. Perhaps the most exciting moment of the season so far. I was in tears.


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