St Helens get revenge as they down Leeds Rhinos at Headingley

Lewis Dodd was the hero once again for the Saints as they beat Leeds in golden point extra-time in an all-time classic at Headingley.

Both teams notched two tries apiece, however the boot of Lewis Dodd was the deciding factor between the sides on the night.

There was a party atmosphere ahead of the game. A great display of attacking rugby in the women’s game before set a precedent of things to come, but would we see this in the men’s match too?

That’s exactly what we saw for the first try. Leeds worked the ball wide to Rhyse Martin, who broke through Konrad Hurrell’s tackle and ran deep into Saints territory and created a 3-on-1. The second-rower was able to make this opportunity count as he found Ash Handley who crossed for the first of the night. Martin would slot the kick to make it 6-0 to the Rhinos.

The Saints would come back firing, and nearly scored, however they were dragged out into touch. They would finally get over the line a few minutes later though. The Saints backline combined beautifully to get the ball out to Tommy Makinson who crossed out wide, however he was unable to add the extras.

After a frantic opening 15 minutes, the game turned into a more physical affair, however both defences stood tall under pressure. It would take a big mistake to force a try, and it would be Saints who would make it.

Makinson and Jack Welsby collided whilst attempting to gather Richie Myler’s kick, and Cam Smith scooped up the loose ball to get his name on the scoresheet. Martin again added the goal and Leeds were up by eight.

The physicality of the half had taken its toll on the Rhinos. They had already lost Aidan Sezer to injury early on, and Harry Newman and Morgan Gannon would also join the list as both looked to pick up serious injuries.

Sam Walters came within inches of extending the Rhinos lead, however the scores would remain 12-4 at the break.

St Helens would come out the blocks the fastest in the second-half. Curtis Sironen would crash over the line after Lewis Dodd’s clever no-look pass. Makinson added the extras and Saints were now only two points behind.

Leeds needed a response, and a string of St Helens penalties helped them chew up valuable meters. A barnstorming carry allowed Tom Holroyd to break free from the Saints defenders and offload to Justin Sangare who crossed the line after some juggling, however this was ruled out by the TMO.

Leeds’ injury woes would get worse in the half, as Tom Holroyd left the field, leaving the Rhinos with no subs left on the bench, would this lack of replacements come back to haunt them?

St Helens pulled back level through the boot of Tommy Makinson, however the game would take on a new lease of life in the last 10 minutes.

Both teams had chances to win the game. Sam Walters would come close to connecting with Nene MacDonald for the Rhinos and Lewis Dodd would miss a crucial drop goal attempt, however regulation time was enough to separate the teams and it headed to golden point extra time.

Both teams had pot shots during the first period, however the best chance fell to Martin, however his kick fell short at the end of the first period of golden point, onto the second we went.

Again, both teams missed chances to secure the win in the second period, but ultimately Lewis Dodd dropped the all important drop goal as the Saints took the spoils.

Both teams now turn their attention to Magic Weekend, with both having plenty of positives to take from this titanic clash at Headingley.

Leeds Rhinos:12

Tries: Handley, Smith

Goals: Martin (2)

St Helens:13

Tries: Makinson, Sironen

Goals: Makinson (2)

Drop Goal: Dodd

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