Super League: Leeds Rhinos 26-4 Warrington Wolves - Wire drop to fourth with defeat
- Published
Jamie Jones-Buchanan was one of only three players in Super League this season who made his debut in the last millennium
Betfred Super League |
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Leeds (8) 26 |
Tries: Sutcliffe, Lui, Cuthbertson, Briscoe Goals: Martin 4, Jones-Buchanan |
Warrington (0) 4 |
Try: Charnley |
Leeds Rhinos ended their season with a 26-4 victory over Warrington Wolves, who were pipped to third place in the table by Salford Red Devils.
Liam Sutcliffe's try helped Leeds to an eight-point half-time lead.
Robert Lui, Adam Cuthbertson and Luke Briscoe went over for Leeds after the break, with Josh Charnley replying.
Challenge Cup winners Warrington now host Castleford in Thursday's play-off Elimination Final (19:45 BST) - and must win to keep their season alive.
The Rhinos ended a tough season on a high with a fitting farewell for Jamie Jones-Buchanan, who captained the side on his final appearance after 20 years with the club.
Sutcliffe scored the only try of the first half after Lui had intercepted Jack Hughes' pass and made a 60-metre break.
Lui got on the scoresheet when he powered over after the break before Charnley gave Warrington hope of a victory, diving over in the corner with 11 minutes remaining.
But Cuthbertson and Briscoe both crossed inside the final eight minutes, allowing Jones-Buchanan to add a conversion to crown a special night.
Leeds coach Richard Agar:
"It was terrific. Emotion was going to play a big part for Jonesy. We knew the crowd would thrive on that and our players thrived on it as well.
"Our defence was pretty good. We had to make some strong last-ditch efforts but, throughout the contest, defensively we held up really well.
"It was a pleasing win and pleasing that we won pretty comfortable in the end."
Warrington coach Steve Price:
"That's not a performance I'm happy with. It was unacceptable what we dished up.
"We had everything to play for. Credit to Leeds, They showed a lot of intent with all their actions.
"I didn't see it coming. There's a quality football team there and that's why I'm disappointed. To throw away two opportunities for two bites at the semi-final, that's what I'm filthy about."
Leeds: L Briscoe; Walker, Handley, Hurrell, Sutcliffe; Lui, Myler; Cuthbertson, Dwyer, Peteru, Martin, Ward, Jones-Buchanan.
Interchanges: Johnson, Donaldson, Singleton, Smith.
Warrington: Ratchford; Lineham, Goodwin, Austin, Charnley; King, Smith; Hill, D Clark, Cooper, Currie, Murdoch-Masila, J Clark.
Interchanges: Hughes, Akauola, Mamo, Westwood.
Referee: Marcus Griffiths.