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McClennan pleased but McNamara rues cruel luck
Leeds Rhinos kept the pressure on at the top of the engage Super League by killing off a superb fightback from derby rivals Bradford Bulls on Friday.
Their display earned the praise of coach Brian McClennan who said: "In the end we came away with a good win. I like the way we finished."
The champions scored three superb tries as they raced into an early 16-2 lead at Headingley Carnegie only for the Bulls to hit back to lead.
Rob Burrow eventually settled nerves with a solo effort 13 minutes from time before Scott Donald raced in late on to secure a 33-20 success.
The result kept the Rhinos within four points of leaders
St Helens, who enjoyed a comfortable 30-0 win over bottom side Celtic Crusaders.
Rhinos coach McClennan continued: "We got off to a good start but then Bradford came back really well.
"They played well, it was a derby match and they really got up for it."
Ryan Hall crossed twice and Jamie Jones-Buchanan also scored in the Rhinos' strong start only for Semi Tadulala, Paul Deacon and Steve Menzies to reply.
"We gave ourselves a bit of a mountain to climb but for large parts I thought we were the better side," said Bulls coach Steve McNamara.
"It's a cruel sport. I don't think we got what we deserved."
Saints produced a first-half masterclass to see off the Crusaders at the GPW Recruitment Stadium.
Lee Gilmour, Paul Wellens, Tony Puletua and Matt Gidley all touched down as Mick Potter's men effectively won the game before the break.
The Welshmen frustrated their hosts throughout much of the second half but Chris Dean finished them off with Saints' fifth try late on.
"It wasn't the best of spectacles," Saints coach Mick Potter conceded.
"They didn't get any tries and they probably weren't looking for them in the second half.
"I think they were just looking to get through the game."
Afterwards Crusaders coach John Dixon played down reports linking the club with a high-profile move for Wales rugby union star Gavin Henson.
Dixon said: "To have a high-profile rugby union player join our club would be a real boon for us.That would add some interest but one player doesn't solve any problems.
"I am much more convinced about our development programme, which has produced guys like Ben Flower.
"If Gavin came to me and said 'John, I want to play for you for 2' then I would say that's fantastic.
"But at the moment we are focusing on our young
kids."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 23 C
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Temperature: 9 C to 23 C
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