Leeds Rhinos twice came from behind to defeat Wigan Warriors 22-20 in the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford this evening.
The Warriors made a great start to the match, as Liam Farrell broke through the Leeds defence before offloading to Joe Burgess on the wing, who scored the game's opening try in the corner after four minutes. Matty Bowen converted, and Wigan had an early six-point lead.
Leeds pegged their opponents back immediately though, as Kevin Sinfield threaded a kick towards the Wigan tryline, before Danny McGuire secured the four points. Sinfield converted to level the scores.
The Rhinos took the lead on 27 minutes through Joel Moon, but Sinfield's conversion attempt missed the posts.
McGuire scored his second try of the match before half time, as winger Kallum Watkins found the Leeds stalwart inside. Sinfield added the extra points, and Leeds had a 16-6 lead at the break.
Wigan made a positive start to the second half, and closed the gap on their rivals when Sean O'Loughlin kicked to the corner, before Dom Manfredi rose highest to collect the ball and score the Warriors' second try, which Bowen converted.
Bowen added his side's third try three minutes later, as the full-back ran through the Leeds defence before scoring under the posts. The Australian converted, before kicking a penalty minutes later to give Wigan a 20-16 lead.
The Rhinos restored their advantage on 64 minutes, as youngster Josh Walters scored his side's fourth try, before veteran Sinfield converted for a two-point lead.
Shaun Wane's Warriors continued to push for a winning try, but the Rhinos held on to claim a narrow victory.
Stephen Topping
