Widnes Vikings 28 Leeds Rhinos 20: Tired Rhinos cut down by Chase

After the defeat at Warrington Wolves in April, they were again undone by one of their bogey clubs, Widnes Vikings, whose 28-20 win was their fourth victory in five meetings with Leeds.

Rhinos never really got going. Some of that may have been due to fatigue, though Widnes were also backing-up from Friday, but credit has to go to Widnes’ magnificent defence.

The hosts were inspired by Rangi Chase on his home debut. Winger Ryan Ince, who had a loan spell at Hunslet earlier in the season, scored two tries, including the game-breaker late on.

The first half was nip and tuck with both sides scoring three tries, but the lone conversion – by Liam Sutcliffe – sent Leeds in at the break with a two-point lead.

It could have been worse for the visitors as Widnes wasted a series of opportunities by being unable to complete their sets.

Once they got their act together in that department – and Chase began to find his feet – they caused Rhinos problems.

Leeds made the most of their limited chances to open a 10-point lead around the half-hour mark, but back-to-back tries got Widnes back into it.

Rhinos had what looked like a valid try ruled out soon after the break and there was little between the teams until Widnes edged ahead with a converted touchdown 19 minutes from time.

Leeds regained the Leeds with 11 left and should have been able to close it out, but two late tries sealed the points for the home team.

They didn’t play like a bottom-of-the-table side and, though some controversial calls went against Leeds, the home team deserved their win.

The game started slowly, but got increasingly frantic. Leeds went ahead after 11 minutes when Ash Handley crossed for an unconverted try from Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s long pass, though the foundation for the score was Brad Singleton’s superb off-load to Adam Cuthbertson.

Handley was one of three players drafted into the 17. He was at centre, allowing Sutcliffe to start at full-back in place of the injured Ashton Golding (hamstring).

Leeds were also without half-back Danny McGuire, who damaged a foot against Warrington and knee injury victim Brett Delaney.

Rob Burrow took over as captain and started at scrum-half and Mitch Garbutt returned after a three-game lay-off on the bench.

Also among the substitutes was Josh Walters, who had not been named in the initial 19 and did not get on.,