League Leaders Title back in Leeds Hands

League Leaders Title back in Leeds Hands
Twenty four hours is a long time in super eights rugby league. Castleford beat top of the table Leeds in a close game that Leeds never got on top of. Aitons injury is proving difficult to re juggle for. With burrow and sutcliffe both injured, seeing Sinfield leave the field meant Leeds were without a tested hooker or dummy half, a position they tend to roll from Sinfield, Aiton to burrow who all offer significantly different options. This third loss left Leeds top of the table on points difference with Wigan having a game in hand to overhaul the seasons dominant team.
Castle fords win over Leeds deserves great credit. With nothing to play for bar the beating of their most arrogant rivals, Cas beat Leeds though Leeds never got to grips with the game for long periods. This is always Castlefords cup final. The win inspired bold statements from Wigan Coach Shaun Wane. What a game we had last night.
Wigan were ahead for most of the first half but the St. Helens defence had stood strong for four consecutive sets of six without folding. It was this as much as the equalising try that sent the teams in at half time with six a piece. Just as with the Leeds Cas game, two wrong refereeing decisions went against saints. A disallowed perfectly good try chalked off and a Wigan try that shouldn't have been. A pass ruled wrongly forward. We're saints to lose as it looked like as the game progressed it would have been a difficult exit for the red from langtree park. With Wigan leading 14 12 in to the dieing moments it was clear Saints had but one set left to score from. A kick from the mighty jon Wilkin led to a saints try.
This heroic saints win took the points tally to Leeds on 39 with a greater points scored difference than Wigan also on 39. Huddersfield who are quietly finding form at just the right time with an away win at hull on 38 as are saints. Any of these teams could win league leaders shield, finish top two meaning home advantage in the play off semis. Leeds, however, know that if they win away at Huddersfield next week it matters not what anyone else does. On the back of three losses after cup glory, rising to defeat Huss away is a tough call. If Sinfield isn't recovered only McGuire can stand up as experienced play maker. But Leeds are a champion side. It is in their hands again thanks to saints heroics last night.


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