Rampant Rhinos stun Halifax

Leeds 36-22 Halifax

Rampant Leeds Rhinos continued their revival with a comfortable win over the Blue Sox at Headingley.

Leeds are now in sixth place at the halfway stage of Super League V.

Bottom of the table after losing their opening five matches, Rhinos coach Dean Lance can look forward to the second half of the campaign with renewed confidence.

It was Leeds' fourth successive win and it puts the side within striking distance of a play-off spot.

Sent off

Great Britain centre Keith Senior was the hero, grabbing a first-half hat-trick of tries as Leeds took full advantage of the early dismissal of Halifax prop Jim Gannon, and adding another in the second half.

Australian forward Gannon was sent off 24 minutes into the West Yorkshire derby for throwing a punch at Leeds prop Barrie McDermott, although he also appeared to take a swing at his own player-coach Gary Mercer.

Already weakened by the absence of four regulars through injury, the loss of Gannon was a devastating blow for the Blue Sox, who have slipped out of the top five after conceding 134 points in their last three away games.

Teams:

Leeds: Cummins, Sterling, Walker, Senior, Pratt, Harris, Sheridan, Fleary, Jackson, McDermott, Morley, Barnhill, Hay. Replacements: Powell, Mackay, Mathiou, Farrell.
Halifax: Gibson, Marns, Florimo, Naylor, Hassan, Pearson, Dunemann, Hobson, Firth, Gannon, Mercer, Bloem, Moana. Replacements: Cardiss, Tallec, Savelio, Tickle. Referee: John Connolly (Wigan)