00:00It's been an absolute thriller here at AMT Headingley today where Leeds Rhinos have held off a superb fight back from Wakefield Trinity to win 22-18.
00:10That's Leeds 4th successive win and they'll go into the Challenge Cup final break in 3rd place in the table which is a good achievement for a team who finished 8th last year.
00:20It's the halfway point of the season and Leeds are in a good spot to kick on and book a place in the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
00:28They're now on the best run since the season they last reached the grand final but they had to do it really tough against Wakefield who were superb I thought in the 2nd half.
00:38First half Leeds were very good, they were by far the better team 22-6 up at half time and it looked like they were going to build on that and go on for a big win.
00:48But the loss of Lachie Miller at half time and the subsequent reshuffle that brought about seemed to throw Leeds off their stride a little bit and Wakefield came out firing in the 2nd half.
01:00Much improved and with a better team for the final 40 minutes.
01:03Max Jowett scored a couple of tries and they got to within 4 in a frantic finale.
01:08James Bentley was simbinned and Leeds had to hang on for the last 2 minutes with 12 men.
01:13They just about managed to do but I think both coaches can be pretty pleased with it.
01:19I thought Wakefield showed tremendous spirit and their 2nd half fight back, as I've said, was excellent.
01:24Whereas Leeds found a way to win which is something they're increasingly learning how to do.
01:29They can certainly play a lot better which is an encouraging thing considering where they are on the table.
01:36But they showed real grit and determination to see the game out.
01:41So it was an absolutely thrilling derby.
01:45Great entertainment for a 15,000 crowd here on MD Awareness Day.
01:49And I think both of these teams will take a lot of heart into the 2nd half of the season.
