BBC SPORT | Rugby League | Challenge Cup (original) (raw)

	MATCH SUMMARY Leeds (12) 36 Tries: Poching, Williams 3, Donald 2, McGuire Goals: Sinfield 4 Harlequins (0) 18 Tries: Dorn, Worrincy, Weisner, SmithGoal: Purdham

Leeds wing Danny Williams scored a hat-trick to help the Rhinos book their place in the Challenge Cup semi-final.

Both sides produced an error-strewn opening but the deadlock was broken on 32 minutes through Willie Poching with Williams adding a second.

Quins hit back in the second half with two tries but four scores in nine minutes for the Rhinos sealed the win.

The visitors did respond with two late consolation scores before Williams claimed his third at the death.

The victory will give a boost to Rhinos coach Tony Smith, who has been admitted to hospital with gastroenteritis.

Leeds, who were stunned by Hull in the final last summer, have now reached the last four of this competition 12 times in the last 14 years.

Both sides failed to settle in the opening period with Williams and Chad Randall of Harlequins spurning fine opportunities.

Leeds finally opened the scoring with through Poching before Rob Burrow expertly created the second after a Quins penalty kick failed to find touch.

But Leeds seemed to go off the boil after the interval and Quins hit back when a Mark McLinden break set up an easy try for scrum-half Luke Dorn.

The visitors then grabbed an opportunist second through Michael Worrincy after Nick Bradley-Qalilawa crept in behind a sleepy Williams to flick the ball back into play.

However the game turned with the introduction of Ali Lauitiiti, and the burly New Zealand forward sparked the burst of tries which sealed the game.

Scott Donald (twice), Danny McGuire and Williams all crossed after some fine build-up work although Tyrone Smith and Patrick Weisner gave Quins slim hope.

Realistically though, the result was never in doubt and Williams' third capped a fine afternoon.

Leeds assistant Brian McDermott:
"We had a few anxious moments during the game and also before. With no Tony Smith for the majority of the week we have had a different slant on the game in the build-up.

"I feel for Tony. He was in a bad way. We have had to use text to communicate as he has been in such a bad way that he can't hold a conversation.

"I think we displayed a lot of control, that's the word I'd use. We had to chance our arm a little bit. If you look at some of the tries, there was some risk involved in some of the passes."

Harlequins coach Tony Rea:
"It was very disappointing. We were well and truly in the game midway through the second half and with a bit more authority we could have taken control.

"There was a 13-minute period when we didn't touch the ball and some of their quality players, such as Ali Lauitiiti, hurt us dear.

"I have admiration for my side. We fought back and were right in the game. This group will have their day and will have their moment."

Leeds: Smith, Donald, Walker, Senior, Williams, McGuire, Burrow, Jones-Buchanan, Diskin, Scruton, Peacock, Ellis, Sinfield.
Replacements: O'Neill, Millard, Lauitiiti, Poching.

Harlequins: McLinden, Smith, Lucky Luisi, Purdham, Bradley-Qalilawa, Paul, Dorn, Tookey, Randall, Lolohea, Haumono, Hopkins, Mbu.
Replacements: Williams, Mills, Weisner, Worrincy.

Referee: K Kirkpatrick (Warrington)

Att: 5,332

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