Donald try dynamite for Rhinos - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Donald try dynamite for Rhinos

Australian flyer Scott Donald came up with an early candidate for Super League's try of the season as world champions Leeds put last week's home defeat by Wigan behind them at Headingley.

Donald and Warrington winger Chris Hicks, both signed from NRL club Manly Sea Eagles, are the first players to reach double figures this season.

Scroll down to read more:

Spectacular: Scott Donald crashes over for a brilliant try

They faced each other last night, Donald winning by two tries to one including a sensational firsthalf effort when he cut inside from his wing and sliced open the Warrington defence on an electrifying run to score under the posts.

He added a less spectacular second try early in the second half as Leeds shrugged aside Warrington's impressive start to win comfortably.

Leeds were without five of their recognised first team last night whereas Warrington were able to welcome back full back Stuart Reardon and Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson.

But not, as they had hoped, stand off Lee Briers, whose play-making and penchant for match-winning drop goals, had haunted Leeds in the past.

Warrington, captained by former Leeds enforcer Adrian Morley and with Australian Test centre Matt King minus his trademark 'hedgehog' hairstyle for the first time since he arrived in Super League, still made a very bright start.

They took a leaf out of Wigan's book and attacked Leeds from the first hooter, their adventure being rewarded with a try crafted and executed by their two halfbacks.

Michael Monaghan supplied the pass, Louis Anderson did the rest.

Leeds lost their Great Britain all-rounder Gareth Ellis soon afterwards, limping off with a knee injury, but a massive hit on Morley by home prop Ryan Bailey shook them into life and winger Donald came with his early candidate for try of the season after 28 minutes.

Kevin Sinfield converted and kicked a penalty right on half-time to give Leeds an 8-6 advantage.

Warrington had to replace full back Reardon early in the second half, switching Hicks to full back.

Chris Riley, Reardon's replacement, missed a tackle on Brent Webb and the Leeds No 1 sent Donald over for his second try.

Warrington's frustration showed in the number of penalties they conceded and hooker Jon Clarke was sin-binned for dissent.

From thereon in it was pretty straightforward for Leeds, centre Carl Ablett with a try and Sinfield with three goals stretching their lead.

At least Warrington managed to close the gap before Clarke returned from the sin-bin, Hicks taking a long pass to canter over unchallenged.

Leeds simply hit them with two more touchdowns, from Rob Burrow and Luke Burgess.

Comments

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity