Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell admitted his heart was in his mouth when the Belle Vue floodlights went out before his side ensured the delay became part of a memorable Challenge Cup story.

The players left the field in the early stages of the last-16 tie, sparking fears that the game may be abandoned.

But the lights came back on and Trinity proved too strong for Leeds Rhinos in a 24-14 victory.

"That was going through my mind – and that was the last thing that we wanted to do," said Powell on the prospect of having to complete the game at a later date. "For the supporters and the players who got themselves mentally ready for the game.

"It was a good bit of drama and fun for the fans. Whilst you wouldn't want it to happen, it's ended up being a bit of theatre."

Wakefield broke the deadlock through Harvey Smith before Leeds seized control thanks to Maika Sivo's double either side of Ash Handley's try.

But the momentum shifted following Oliver Pratt's crucial effort on the stroke of half-time.

"I'm delighted," said Powell, whose team scored second-half tries through Matty Storton and Ky Rodwell.

Wakefield were too strong for their rivals. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Wakefield were too strong for their rivals. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"When the draw was made, we all knew it was going to be a tough game. Leeds recruited really well and have been playing great.

"I'm made up with the players and for the players, the way they applied themselves tonight.

"To go in at 14-12 and not 14-6 gave us a bit of a lift. That was a big moment."

While Trinity go into the hat for Tuesday's draw, Leeds are facing up to a sixth straight season without a quarter-final appearance.

The lights went out at Belle Vue. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

Brad Arthur, who confirmed young half-back George Brown would undergo a scan on the knee injury that forced him off, refused to blame his side's off-colour display on a delayed Vegas hangover.

Asked if there were any positives, the Rhinos boss replied: "No, not really.

"I'm very disappointed. That's not who we said we wanted to be. We made some poor choices around our intensity.

"That's a choice. We don't want to be looking for reasons or excuses about Vegas, travel and all that.

"We were beaten out of the blocks from the start of the game. I don't know how we found our way into the lead but then we were too casual just before half-time to allow a soft try. That shows we didn't have the intent the game deserved."