Nerveless Sinfield carries Leeds through but Matterson fuming

Captain Kevin Sinfield slotted a ‘golden point’ penalty in extra-time of yesterday’s epic semi-final to deny their brave West Yorkshire rivals and set up a showdown with Wigan Warriors on Saturday, August 27.

Magnificent Castleford had gone so close to defying the odds to reach their first final in almost two decades, Rangi Chase failing with a drop-goal attempt in the final seconds of normal time at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium.

They were made to pay for that error when Sinfield, who had already converted Kallum Watkins’s 73rd-minute try from the touchline to level, held his nerve once more to kick Leeds to victory after Ryan McGoldrick’s high tackle on Danny McGuire.

“It was right up there with the one against Saints in 2003,” admitted the Rhinos stand-off, who has made a habit of contributing in such fashion when it comes to enthralling Challenge Cup semi-finals.

“(With the kick) you just clear everything and it’s like being back at the training ground at Kirkstall.

“You hope you get opportunities and Maggsy got us in position to win the penalty.

“Thankfully it went over but I thought Cas’ were outstanding; they threw everything at us and it was just our character that showed through at the end.

“We didn’t play great but the willingness to stick together got us there.

“We were embarrassed last time at Wembley and under-performed.

“We haven’t talked about it yet but we might do in the build-up to Wigan.”

Leeds, who lost 30-6 against holders Warrington 12 months ago, realise they must perform far better if they are to overcome Super League leaders Wigan, whose enduring class was obvious as they held off St Helens’ fightback to win 18-12 on Saturday and return to Wembley for the first time since their shock 1998 loss against Sheffield Eagles.

“I’m humbled a little bit at the moment,” said Leeds head coach Brian McDermott, as he seeks to end the club’s 12-year wait for Challenge Cup success during his first season in charge at Headingley.

“People may say we snatched that but, if you defend like we did, as strong as we did, you’re allowed to win it in the last minute.

“I’m in charge of a group of people with a huge amount of character but I don’t think I could give Castleford and (their coach) Terry Matterson enough credit; they were excellent.”

However, fuming Matterson, who is leaving the club at the end of the season, was outraged by the crucial decision.

McGuire had broken clear just two minutes into extra-time only to be brought down by Australian full-back McGoldrick’s challenge.

“We had that many high shots on us that didn’t get penalised and that one was on the shoulder,” said Matterson.

“To have your dream taken away like that is just not good enough.

“The guys were outstanding (yesterday) but they are inconsolable in there.

“This sort of chance only comes around now and again and to have it taken away like that is pretty cruel.

“We’re up against it enough. The big teams seem to get the roll of the dice. Maybe one day I’ll be with a big team...”

Understandably, McDermott saw no issue with the decision made by referee Phil Bentham.

“I don’t think it was ever one of those tackles which might have broken Danny’s jaw,” he said.

“But it was a penalty. You can’t attack above the shoulders in our game.”

Castleford did play star stand-off Chase after a week of subterfuge surrounding the maverick Kiwi’s availability.

It was thought he was in Australia for a court appearance ahead of the game and was doubtful of returning in time for its kick-off.

But, after some desperate work from Castleford officials, the hearing was delayed until this week and Chase – who scored a marvellous 80m try to put his side 8-2 ahead – flew out last night.

“He wasn’t always going to be here,” explained Matterson.

“After the Huddersfield (quarter-final) game he wasn’t happy as he realised that but the club worked on trying to changes things around and – after the paper reports – we thought we’d just run with it.

“Leeds found out on Friday. It didn’t do us any good in the end as we lost but it was a wonderful break for his try and he’s a great player. He’s going back (last night). It’’ll be an unhappy trip.”