25/08/2012 Rugby League: Challenge Cup

At the moment, this is the only statue at Wembley, representing

football and Bobby Moore, but rugby league has joined the party, and a

statue of five that our grades will be built here, and quite right,

because it was 1929 win the Challenge Cup final first moved

here, and now, it is one of the great dates in the sporting

calendar, an annual pilgrimage for rugby league fans of every club.

This year, two of the crates, Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves, the

rematch of the 2010 final. They are a classic match today. Ryan Atkins!

As simple as that! He is in for his second try! It is a hat-trick! A

special achievement by this The cheeky brilliance of Lee Briers

part of the reason that Warrington have been so successful at Wembley.

If they win today, it will be their third success in four years, but

they take on a side who have shone in Super League. In four of the

last five years, Leeds Rhinos have gone to the Grand Final and it when

Rhinos have won! 33-6. Over he goes! He scores! 2008, the easier

of the Rhino! Leeds Rhinos, for the third consecutive year, they have

won the Grand Final. This is a sensational try from Rob Burrow.

What they have found achievable in autumn, they have found impossible

in midsummer. Five times they have played in the final of the

Challenge Cup, this century, and tries. Bradford sense that is the

end of the Rhinos are. What is he doing?! The Challenge Cup on its

Perhaps the golden summer for Yorkshire athletes will be an

inspiration for the Leeds Rhinos. They had a great Olympics, that is

very scary! Particularly the second from the right! Sorry about that!

Still here, the fans in big numbers. These two sides have met 21 times

in the Challenge Cup, they have won 10 apiece, and they have drawn once.

Leeds will play in pink. The first team ever to play in a Challenge

Cup final wearing a pink. That might make the difference. For you

at home, if you have never watched it would be leak, believe me, this

is something special. This is a game that will deliver. Stay tuned.

Leeds Rhinos are underdogs, but they were in the semi-finals six

weeks ago, and then knocked out the holders, Wigan. The captain Kevin

Sinfield is a thoughtful man. His career could be completed with a

winter day in his fifth Challenge Cup final. -- with a win today.

Warrington are hot favourites, and the way they saw off Huddersfield

in the semi-finals is not surprising. For Lee Briers,

Warrington have given him a chance of redemption. He is a key part of

the success story for his club. As for the coaches, Brian McDermott

used to work with Tony Smith at Leeds. Both come from the quiet

School of coaching, clear, calm, confident. The Leeds coach was the

first one to arrive in the bowels of Wembley, Kevin Sinfield leading

them towards the changing room. That is their coach, Brian

McDermott. He will say it all the right words. He nearly bumped into

Jamie Peacock there. The Warrington players, Ben Westwood, one of these

huge physical presences. Lee Briers will be the playmaker, Adrian

Morley will be important. They say they need to start well. Welcome

inside the stadium, the crowd of 80,000 or so in very good voice. We

have three of the great brains and bodies of the sport of rugby league.

Jonathan Davies played here with Widnes. Brian Noble bonbons with

Bradford Bulls. Ian Millward won twice with St Helens. Is this event

still something of...? Does this excite you? When I signed to rugby

league, this is where I wanted to play. I grew up watching it as a

kid, it is special. It is still the case now, it is one of this

showcase events. The fans want to come down here, it is a special day

out. How do you read today's match? It is close. Could you look at the

recent form, they are both not playing too badly, but they have

suffered setbacks, most recently in the Superleague. I would say

Warrington are justifiably favourites, they are bringing eight

players back. Leeds are a younger team, a couple of questions in

relation to their line-up. Will the occasion get to them? It is a close

game to call. The big new, in the Leeds Rhinos side, Stevie Ward, he

got his A-level results a week ago. This could be the stage for him.

How much is it in the head rather than in the Lex? The intensity is

so high it. The game goes so quick, it can pass before your eyes, so it

as a coach, you have to make sure you have composure, you are

consistent, you do your game plan aimed, you do that early, to

reinforce the things they need to be consistent in. Who is consistent

will win the game. All of your work has been done, you just try to keep

composed and consistent. You saw shots of Stevie Ward. He has not

been here before, there is nothing to be frightened off. The rest of

the Leeds players, as well as the Challenge Cup at stake, one side

will be lifting this, also, for one player, the honour of the trophy

named after the New Zealand player and administrator and voted for by

members of the press, and the Warrington are teed up for Wembley,

the man who has driven them there, Lee Briers, the Tiger Woods of

Warrington Wolves. I will play golf with him. How was your game?

too bad, but I think we will lose some balls! On what! Apart from

your time at St Helen's, the Challenge Cup has been good for you.

Yes, I had three defeats in the semi-finals, they hurt, really.

to win in 2009 and 2010, how was that? Response. 2009 was special.

We have not won for so long. 13 years. To do it was special. A

great shot. What are your thoughts about Saturday? Leaves are very

dangerous. They have got bigger players all over the field. We need

to match them physically. Who are your men to go to? Garreth Carvell,

Chris Hill, if they go forward, we have got the likes of Ben Westwood,

Brett Hodgson, Richie Myler. We need to go forward first, we cannot

go side to side. If we go forward, hopefully that should come into

play. Any superstitions? My mother always says to me, have a shave,

you scrap! A look more like a tramp and a rugby player! Tony Smith has

been good for you. He has been awesome, he has brought steadiness

to my game, and a bit of control. I have had my best seasons. Is the

body OK? Is the appetite still there? It is fine at the moment.

The appetite is massive, I am as hungry as anything. The way he has

brought it out of the players, he has given us rest through the

season, so hopefully, you will see the benefits of that. You know what

it is to win the trophy, it is a special individual honour, and you

are being mentioned again. It is not something I think about. We

want the performance to be right, and if it is, hopefully we will win

the Challenge Cup, and anything after that is a bonus.

He is a changed man. So exciting to watch him play. It is not so much

about what you expect, it is about what you do not expect. He is

clever, his game management is good. Today, Leeds Rhinos will target him,

because they are not sure of his defensive capabilities. But this

week, it is unusual, because they have media attention, and that can

be draining. It is always hot here, players could get tired, and his

kicking game will be crucial, to put the team in the bright areas at

the right time. He will be a crucial part. Nobody mentions none

of the match, but if he gets it, they have got a great chance of

winning. His biggest problem is his hair, it is longer than mine! The

man who deserves credit for turning him around his Tony Smith.

You'll cricketers -- you are regulars here, does that help?

is good that a lot of people have been here before, it will settle

the nerves. But I do not think it gets you across the line. It helps

on some occasions, but it is a new day, you have got to create a new

atmosphere and a new game. You cannot rely on those past

experiences. But it does help. have changed things a little bit,

resting players strategically. Has that helped? I think so. We are fit

and healthy. We have got one player on the injury list, so we are in

pretty good shape. We had a lot of people to choose from. Rotation has

played its part in a spin healthy - - in us being healthy, and being in

the running for a couple of big matches. It has kept players on

their toes, and boasting that come with it. Everybody has bought him,

and it has brought us so far, so good.

Last night, at the dinner, I sat next to one of the greats of the

game, Alex Murphy, who will be immortalised in the statue. He said

the thing with Lee Briers, he is crucial, and how well he kicks and

how imaginative he it is important, but he thinks Brett Hodgson is the

key player. He is pivotal. He is the captain, the Marshall. They

will look to him, and he brings a flavour, he has been rested this

year, people have looked at the ages of the Warrington players, but

it will not matter today. They are quite old. But it gives you

experience, they have been there, they have done that. There are very

few people that have not experienced the big occasion. For

the Leeds Rhinos, they have young people, you think, well they handle

the field? Will they be relaxed enough? There will be questions all

over the team. We were talking about media attention and how much

there has been. Particularly Leeds Rhinos. Earlier this week, they had

a visit from two and a kick -- two Olympic medallists, Johnny and

Alistair Brownlee. Neither of them could be here today, Johnny is in

Stockholm, Alastair is coming to the USA, but they took the

opportunity to meet a few of their I am a Leeds Rhinos fan and have

followed them for five or six years, I have been to quite a few games.

We are going to miss the final which is a bit of a shame. I am a

great rugby league fan, it is a great sport to watch. We associate

with the local pride, we love being from Leeds, we are proud to be from

Leeds and flying the flag a bit. It Alistair and De Jonny Brownlee will

be watching from afar and cheering their side on. When it comes to a

Challenge Cup final you need more than just a brilliant player. In

1996, the first man to score a hat- trick was Robbie Paul, but he still

ended up on the losing side. You need a clear tactical plan. What

will it be today? For both teams, the game is going to start in the

tunnel. The anxiety will build. They are going to be met with

80,000 screaming rugby league fans. All of that energy will start

pouring down off the terraces, it will slam into them at 1 million

miles an hour. Their heart beats will be at 1 million miles an hour,

the adrenalin will cause through the system, electricity flowing all

over them, the most euphoric experience. At the same time, the

most frightening. How are they going to deal with it? This young

man, Stevie Ward. He has had a bit of immediate embargo placed upon

them. Their coach has looked to protect him, he is allowed to stay

focused on the game. He is a great young talent and he is brilliant

with the ball in his hand. From the youngest man to one of the senior

most players in the squad. Where is he? Jamie Peacock. Here's the

stored. He will go into the teeth of the opposition -- he is the

stalwart. He will get some quick play the balls and get them moving

forward. Who will have the job of moving the team around the park?

His hand in the tackle bag over, the tackle -- captained, Kevin

Sinfield. He is Mr consistent. When he plays well, Leeds Rhinos tend to

play well. The best strike weapon is this young man, Rob Burrow. When

he is on his game, he is not only the best player in their team, one

of the best in the world of rugby league. Keep an eye on those

players. Watching the Leeds players warm up, interesting how much Rob

Burrow was talking to Stevie Ward, not giving him time to think too

much. Robbie mentioned the impact of Kevin Sinfield. He is one of the

most respected players in the whole game, a great ambassador for rugby

league but also the all-time leading points scorer for Leeds and

their most successful ever captain, Careful COMMENTATOR: The Leeds

players will regroup, they will When I was coming up to see you, I

was thinking about how brave you have to be to keep going back to

something that has hurt you. It is the same with you and the Challenge

Cup final, it is being brave enough to say you are going to make a

difference. That is the aim. As tough as it is, there is some hurt.

When you put so much into something and you don't quite get what you

want, it does hurt and it stays with you for a while. I suppose the

analogy is like a boxer, you have to keep getting up off the canvas

and get ready to go again. It is such a tight-knit group of players.

You look at all of you and think, you are too good not to win a

Challenge Cup. We are a great squad. I love going to work every day. At

some stage, that will end. In the next few years, I am sure we will

be broken up. People are getting too old now and there are not many

chances left. The world won't stop if I finish my career and I haven't

got this muddle. But it is certainly important to us all. --

and I haven't got this medal. have a wide-ranging interest, a

real interest in Cuba and J Guevara. It stems from my childhood and my

mum and dad being keen Socialists. I think caring for each other and

looking after each other is a lot more important. Do you think about

the mark you want to leave? Do you have a feeling of what you

represent? Definitely. I have built my career and my life on hard work.

I believe that to get anywhere you want to, you have to invest in it.

You have to make some sacrifices. That might mean I am boring at

times, but I have a drive but I just want to be better. I don't

know where that comes from. It is probably why I am in another final

today. In terms of ambitions you have to fulfil, major honours at

Wembley, isn't it? Yes, people keep telling it is the missing part of

the jigsaw. I have thought about this quite a bit. If we manage to

be good enough on Saturday, what I suppose it means a new jigsaw as

the restarted. -- has to be started. That will involve studying for A M

A at the Metropolitan University. Kevin Sinfield has been a winner,

in 1992 when he played for Oldham schools, he captained them and they

won. 20 years later, he is trying to win his first Challenge Cup

final. This year, here is that competition. We have Castleford

Academy against Howard of Effingham. Howard of Effingham won 22 -- 24-22

and Geordan bonds lifted the trophy. Let's go from young people to more

sensible and experienced and serious people. The coach of Leeds

You come into this as underdogs but I guess you like that tag. I don't

know if we do. I think we may be used to it but we don't like being

underdogs. Warrington are a great team and if they are the favourites,

rightly so, they are playing really well. Is there anything you can do

to guard against your players want in this too much? For so many it is

the one thing missing from the CV. There may be some things you can

and can't do. But it is not a bad error to have. We are aware of

recent history but we are not using that as a form of motivation. We

want to win that because it feels great to win. We are not frightened

to lose. The joy of winning a cup bizarre driving force. -- is our

bizarre driving force. -- is our driving force. Brian McDermott

saying they must not be scared of losing. Warrington in second place

in the Super League table, despite losing their last match heavily to

London Broncos, they said it was a wake-up call. Leeds in 5th, the

wake-up call. Leeds in 5th, the position they won the Grand Final

from last season, they know they can still do that. You sort of

think this is what they would really like. That group of players

want this. You have to play the game. Today it is all about the

game. They will not hang on the ribbons until the 80th minute. All

the things we have spoken about, concentrating on what has happened

in the past, might give them too many bad dreams to get rid of. Just

play the game. Leeds are good enough to win but Warrington are

favourites, justifiably. This must be such a nervy moment for the

players. Earlier on, the coin toss took place, conducted by Jack

Johnson, his only five years old. Is the son of Andy, the X Wigan

rugby league player. The whole of the rugby league community has got

behind the join in Jack campaign, hoping to provide money for

research as they tried to find a cure for muscular dystrophy. It is

lovely that he is here today. Kevin Sinfield told me that a couple of

years ago, his son, Jack, was the mascot for Leeds. He said, much as

he is a real proud father, he said on this occasion, he barely look at

him, because he was so in his own. He was listening to Barrie

McDermott hook said it a similar thing but he was nearly in tears.

Of all the players, he is under the most pressure. It is an emotional

occasion and a traditional occasion. The tradition is that before the

players emerge, abide With Me is song. This year, performing that

duty will be Laura Wright, who has sold over 1 million albums and she

has also sung at the Carling Cup final and the FA Cup final. Now she

will sink before the Challenge Cup # Abide with me; fast falls the

eventide. # The darkness deepens; Lord with

# When other helpers fail and # Help of the helpless, O abide

# Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes.

# Shine through the gloom and point # Heaven's morning breaks, and

# In life, in death, O Lord, abide Laura Wright, accompanied by the

Wessex Male Voice Choir. The noise of battle full to back down the

tunnel. There is the Warrington Wolves mascot. Runny the rhino once

stood for election. E didn't win! You can see the players there. This

will be a hugely exciting and energising moment for them as they

come out on to the pitch and the noise left soft. The pyrotechnics

It is a gorgeous day. The forecast was for heavy showers of rain. We

had a light shower earlier but the sunshine is there. This guy is

pretty blue at the moment and we should get a high quality match --

You can tell so much from the body language of some of them, how

relaxed they are, how much they are smiling. Adrian Morley is taking it

in his stride. The young children accompanying them, you saw Kevin

Sinfield Haldenby hands of the children, they are the twin

grandchildren of the owner. Kevin told me that his younger child does

not like the noise, but both of his kids are here, and getting used to

Wick. Alongside Adrian Morley, the daughter of the New Zealand and Sam

Moa went international, who played in the 2010 side for Warrington

Wolves. They are taking a different route so the crowd have a chance to

see them. As the match is not far our way from starting, who wins?

For Leeds Rhinos to be close, they have got to get a good start.

Warrington for me are the favourites, their bench is

magnificent, they can change the game. I think they have had a great

preparation, Warrington, the depth of their squad, they are fresh.

Both forwards can cancel each other out, but in the key positions,

Warrington have got a big advantage. The noise is just phenomenal. There

is such an uplifting feeling that so much excitement is happening.

You hope for a high-quality match. This is the Challenge Cup final for

2012 off. The commentators, moments when men are made or broken.

He talked to the players, they will tell you it is the most frightening

and inspiring a moment of their sporting lives, the weight of

tradition and expectation and Education can weigh heavily on

shoulders, both old and young. Stevie Ward, only 18 years of age.

The owner of Warrington, the pop impresario, leading the line. Peter

Phillips is the guest of honour, the son of Princess Royal, the

special guest who will hand over the trophy. Either Kevin Sinfield

or Adrian Morley will receive the trophy. I do not think I have heard

Wembley Stadium as loud as this. It is one of the noisiest Challenge

introducing the Leeds Rhinos players to Peter Phillips. What a

day for some of them. What a match it might be. Richard Silverwood is

it is good to see him back. There was a sickening injury that he

suffered earlier in the season, he had his leg broken in an accidental

clash with a Hull KR player. But he is back on video referee duty today.

What a battle between those two, Adrian Morley and Jamie Peacock,

they have been great rivals and team-mates at international level

for so many years. Here is law right with the national anthem,

accompanied by the Aveley and # God save our gracious Queen.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds

# Long live our noble Queen. city, it is silver that represents

the ultimate prize for once, the glistening silver of the oldest

trophy in rugby league, the Challenge Cup. That is what is up

for grabs today. Confusion in the stands, they both wear similar

colours are. Warrington to our right, Leeds Rhinos to our left.

This is how they are lining up. Stevie Ward wears the number 25,

collecting his A-levels last week, he plays one of the most pivotal

roles today in the absence of Danny Maguire. They are starting with

three props, as they did in the semi-finals, Ryan Bailey is the

force loose forward, producing the extra firepower down the middle.

Fewer disruptions in the Bovington Camp, I have some potent firepower

in their line-up. The first Wembley finals for Stefan Ratchford and

Richie Myler. Chris Hill has been a real stand-out performer in the

pack this season. Ben Westwood another one. He could easily put in

a man-of-the-match performance today. The two benches make

interesting reading. The number 32 for Leeds, the German international,

he only made his first-team debut just over a month ago, Jimmy

Keinhorst. Confirmation, the referee is Richard Silverwood, he

took charge of the 2010 Challenge Cup final, and the 2006 Challenge

Cup final, St Helens against an 18 year-old the week after you

collected your A-level results? Still celebrating? Does destiny

decreed that it is Leeds Rhinos' yr? This fate and Fortune favour

another Warrington success? We shall see. It is all about the

start. It was two years ago, it is all about the opening five or 10

minutes. What a hit by the Leeds Rhinos forward. They are smashing

them up. He dislodges the ball. They are lucky they did not go

forward with a scrum for the Leeds Rhinos. Warrington playing in their

home strip. Leeds Rhinos normally wear blue and amber. They have

switched, they are wearing pink and amber -- pink and blue. Mickey

Higham starts as dummy half, Michael Monaghan on the bench. We

performer at full-back, now for Leeds Rhinos today. What an

effort for Jamie Peacock. fantastic run, that is what you

want. I am quite surprised they went along, because they have

nightmare if you years ago against Warrington. Jamie Peacock, he is

the only man in the Leeds Rhinos side that has experienced Challenge

Cup success, on two occasions, both a couple of years ago. He has stern

Ablett. It was not the greatest kick. He was committed to the

disappear and Carl Abbott will move into the pack. That is when we

could see the German international, Jimmy Keinhorst. With Kevin

Sinfield and Carl Abbott on the fringes, they could suffer with a

lack of pace, so they could rectify floor. He will carry on. I know

that Warrington's game plan is about getting at Kevin Sinfield,

because he is such a pivotal player. That was late and clumsy. But I

will be a penalty to the Leeds Rhinos. A couple of poor kicks.

Kevin Sinfield and Lee Briers. They are not going to be too expensive

early on. You just have to get a good field position. This could be

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds

the first opportunity for Leeds That will be a handover. It was a

great tackle, they put the pressure on Kevin Sinfield. Ben Westwood

smashed Rob Burrow. Every week, Tony Smith is keen to sing the

praises of Ben Westwood, and with very good reason. He is a workhorse.

He started at Wakefield as a centre, but he has come to prominence as a

Richard Silverwood confirms. It is Warrington who have got off to the

fire. The space was created, but the vision was unbelievable. I

thought the Leeds Rhinos defence was fantastic, but watch the vision.

Watch out for the offload. Mickey Higham goes up the middle, and

Chris Hill goes up the middle. Watch the vision, because the

winger allows Joel Monaghan the space. The third offload, they

cover very well, but the number five, while Hall, he has covered

the support play, and Joel Monaghan His brother, Michael, is on the

bench. His mum has come over to watch Michael Owen and playing

Wembley cup finals in the last Right between the uprights.

Warrington have the start they want, the question is if Leeds can

respond. He does the right thing of cutting in that. The vision of

Myler was fantastic. Richie Myler was a surprise on mission a couple

of years ago. -- a surprise omission a couple of years ago. He

was the star by but didn't make these start by -- didn't make the

final cut. He has provided a piece final cut. He has provided a piece

great play-the-ball. They are getting a bit of quickness.

there was an earlier elegant but -- earlier knock-on. Ben Westwood

created the space again. The offloads to attract the defenders

to try to smother the ball. If they get the ball away, there is space

outside. Slightly behind him, but the opportunity was there. I don't

think there was a knock-on. referee gave it, so it must be.

Warrington are a side with a reputation under Tony Smith, they

love getting the ball alive at these offloads. Sometimes it is

high risk. They complete fewer SATs you have got to wrap those tackles

up. You can't have been offloading. There is the star man missing,

Danny McGuire. They still have a few star men, not least of all,

Watkins. He was allowed to play on, the tackle not completed. Leeds

defined territory. Burrow his up and running. -- Leeds find

has kicked a short towards Ryan Hall. There was a collision with

Briers. He is tackled so it is a Kevin Sinfield, he flighted the

kick for his winger. With plenty of space in front of him. Kevin will

be disappointed with his kicking. He has had two kicks and maybe

hasn't had the right trajectory on metre area, they are prepared to

off load. Myler again. A good tackle. Warrington on the 40 metre

mark. Mickey Higham up from dummy half. That is a good thing to have.

The kick is taken cleanly by Zak Hardaker. He has allowed another 10

yards. They have more kickers in their ranks, taking the pressure

off Lee Briers. They need an option for Sinfield, because they will put

to be dragged out of play, he keeps making a case defensively for the

man-of-the-match award. tackling is ferocious. A tireless

could run no further. There was no option, only Kevin Sinfield, it

allows Hodgson to read why he is going to stand. -- where he is

them, managing to haul him down. The ball has been lost. Scrum head

and feed away of Leeds. -- in the way of Leeds. No complaints there.

He lost control twice. He has made an impact. That is his first

mistake. Great defence. Lets hear from look Robbie Paul. It is

interesting that you have been talking about the Warrington team,

they have been coming off the quick play-the-balls from Warrington,

they have been able to get players into a one-on-one position. Leeds

have been able to deal with that because they have got back in

control of the speed of the play- the-ball. They have tried to move

the ball wide and Leeds have been never quite had the ball in his

possession. It was good play by Monaghan. He covered the centre, he

still had time to make the tackle. with the burst. 15 gone, 6-0

Warrington lead. Two sides with immense pedigree in this

competition, a 16th Challenge Cup final for Warrington today, they

have won 7. 23 for Leeds, only wouldn't have been here more. They

have won 11 but famously have lost the last five. There was a crack of

thunder overhead, which adds a little to the drama of the

situation. Lee Briers gets the kick away, this could be a big one. Just

kept in play by Zak Hardaker, and That is a fantastic effort from

Hardaker. Really has looked superb in the fullback role. The in the

semi-final he was magnificent bench. -- from the interchange

bench. Good hands from Jamie Peacock. The tightening Andy

angling of his runs are fantastic. try scorer. Hill, looking to Atkins,

who has Riley there. They claim a Leeds touch but it was surely all

played back. It will be Leeds's head and feed. Watkins tries to off

load. He didn't play at that. I am assured his eyes were on it, it was

for the our Leeds Rhinos. Kevin good defensive stint by Westwood.

It is. A penalty for Leeds, fairly direct. Do they think about going

for gold or is it just about rolling on for another said? Field

possession, just go for it. 6 points behind. The first time they

have had real field -- real field position in the opposition 20.

belatedly. They might have been a call from the touchline. He had the

best view. He might have given the referee the call. It was a late

Here comes Peacock. And now borrow got them! My word, he has got them!

Warrington's defence a little soft. The Ian Kirke, with the surge, has

put Leeds on the score. The coach looks unmoved but he will be

mightily pleased. Because Leeds have a response. And that is the

response they needed. The first time they have got field position

and they come away with a try. This is the incident. Does he still the

ball? -- steal the ball? It looks as though he already lost it.

think he had his hand in there. They switched off, inside ball, a

big man running over a little man. Hodgson was there, Kirke comes in.

And that is it. As they have scored, the heavens have opened. It is

absolutely chucking it down at Wembley. Look at this rain now!

Where has this come from? And the thunder and lightning above us as

well. Kevin Sinfield adds a goal. Brian McDermott is a drowned rat

all of a sudden. He spots the man, stretching over, a try. There was a

famous rainy final in 1968, forever known as the water splash final,

when Leeds were victorious in very traumatic and dramatic

circumstances. The way this rain is hammering down now, we have got

another occasion that is perhaps going to be marked by the weather.

A flash of lightning up above, what a dramatic occurrence we have got

here. We have got everything! Now the tactics will change. It is all

about possession. Getting good field position to put indicate and

put pressure on. -- to put the kick in and put pressure on. Sinfield's

kicking game becomes massive. now getting down there and making

sure you keep hold of the ball when you are hitting the tackle. Tablet

moves in, making the tackle a good one. -- Ablett moves in. It is

unbelievable weather. Absolutely hammering down. It has gone so dark,

incredible. If anything, it is for Chris Hill losing possession.

It goes Leeds Rhinos' way. Nobody around him. It is a bar of soap at

the moment. It forced the knock-on. We are sitting at the back of one

of the stands, and we can feel the rain on us. Absolutely pouring down.

This is going to be a Wembley final to remember, it really is. Jamie

Peacock will deliver in this. winner will be the team that keeps

the possession the most. Was there a handling error from Lee Briers?

The referee had a good luck, he did have not had the ball for a while,

but the offload is still there. know that. Summer rugby! It does

rain in the summer as well! Tell me about it! It is all about

possession. There is a touch judge on the field. Brian McDermott looks

as though he has just been in a swimming pool. No one before him.

am not sure what has happened here. The touch judge wants a word with

referee says. Paul Wood, a first offence? Ready to check. Paul Board

of Warrington is the man. -- Paul Wood. We have got you lashing out.

He had a crack at Carl Ablett. Ablett had a dab at 10, and there

is a right hook on the chin. I think that is a penalty! It is the

Challenge Cup, they are not allowed to punch each other! Kevin Sinfield

is going for goal. This decision has been made by the weather. It

has eased off for the moment. Not that you would know rate! Kevin

Sinfield taking the percentage decision. It is a slippery, soggy

surface, it will be a tighter match. We are going to get our noses in

front, so let's take every then that we have. A decent crowd at

Wembley, but the rain Duffin difference making its mark. -- ring

of indifference. If anybody is desperate to win the Challenge Cup,

it is this man. Over it goes on. The flags are raised. Kevin

Sinfield has landed his second goal. Leeds Rhinos moved ahead. It is a

very good strike, and the good decision, keep your nose in front.

All of that pressure in the Warrington half, big tackles,

losing the ball, and the frustration of the punch, it ends

up into points. Warrington will hope their opponents will lose

possession inside their own half, with it being very slippy.

tackles will all be around double cabin area, to dislodge the ball

and forced a mistake. Danny Maguire should have been involved, he is

talking to mount. How pleased or you with the start? It has been

good. The conditions have not been the best, but it will be tight now.

Our defence has been really strong. Warrington have been stronger as

well. It will be a game of few chances, so it will be the game

that takes them. I am itching to get out there, but I am trying to

relax now. I will cheer the lads on. A good tackle again, Carl Ablett.

The conditions have not been as good as they might have been! They

have been apocalyptic! That is a get something back? Stefan

Ratchford should have stayed. Riley was allowed to take it. It is

a handover. That was good play from Ben Jones-Bishop. He steered him

into touch, but he loses the ball. A nit-picking Paul. The referee

allows it to pass without incident. It is still raining, but not as

heavy. Leeds Rhinos will do the safe think. I think Ian Millward

talked about how Leeds Rhinos have often won the grand finals on wet

nights in October, and they know how to play these conditions, so he

fancies that, if it stays like this, it could be their day. It is

difficult now. It is a packed out Wembley Stadium, the players will

not hear him. The players cannot hear that. The new role, if he does

not think they have heard him, they can play the ball. The vein is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds

too eager. They were under the cosh, up on their own try line. Leeds

Rhinos had their tails up, they had go for the corner. Table not go for

goal. Lee Briers with the kick. It has given Warrington an excellent

position. What can they make of this? Six tackles to hammer their

opponents Pune climate. The first look. He has given it! It is a

second try for Warrington. Trent Waterhouse. Warrington are back in

the leader. Field position it is vitally important, it is very

difficult to defend in these conditions. The tries have come

from mistakes and a penalty. This is the penalty. It gives them field

position. Trent Waterhouse barges his way over. Very difficult. Ben

Jones-Bishop and Kallum Watkins tried to come in, but it is so

difficult to stop such a big man from that distance. Kevin Sinfield

on the floor, making their case for the ball having been lost. The

referee gave it on the evidence of side a lead, 12-8. You fancied this

could be a final that swaps and changes in terms of the lead

throughout the afternoon. This is the grounding. That is not a knock-

on. That is a try. You do not necessarily have to have your hands

on the ball. If you have got your upper-body on the ball, that is

good enough. A good, sensible kick, it is wet, put it on the ground.

They have made a big impact. They have been so effective this season,

they have laid a good platform. penalty. Interference in the tackle.

Brian McDermott will be pulling his hair out. They have said, work hard

for the yards. Now, it is field position again in a threatening

area. So many players to admire over the years, but none more than

Adrian Morley, for all he has given both here and Australia. The

momentum is creeping back towards Warrington. This will be

interesting. Do they go for six.? is a poor pass from Lee Briers.

They have lost a bit of ground and the bed because staff are concerned.

They do not stop the game and less it is serious. It is Jamie Jones-

Buchanan. This is serious enough. That is an attacking area, it is

dangerous for the injured player and for the medical staff. It was

in the tackle that he made on Ben Westwood. That will be a blow for

Leeds Rhinos. A tremendous worker. He loses his footing. I hope he is

all right. He is being helped off. Jamie Jones-Buchanan. So dangerous,

on the floor. There is no advantage for Leeds Rhinos. Here is Damian

Johnson. David, you did not make the Warrington squad, what have you

made of it? It has been a tough The boy is offering the ball around,

come to terms with the conditions quickly. Just possession, keeping

in control of the ball. If we can keep them down there, we will be

Warrington dominating possession but Leeds dominate territory. What

but Leeds dominate territory. What does that mean? It says that a lot

of the possession that Warrington have had has been in their own half.

The defence of Leeds has worked well. They have kept Warrington in

than half. -- in an their own half. A swinging arm? It is silly. Silly

play, that is the problem. When the pressure is on... It was a high

tackle, if anything that was a penalty. The letter of the law,

above the shoulders. Lee Briers dispatches this. He now could be

defending an up and honoured on his 0 goal line and that is the

significance of keeping your discipline -- and up and under on

his own goal line. The difference is, the 30 yards difference on the

penalty lying -- penalty kick will put Leeds under pressure. A little

game of chess going on, Warrington picking position and Beijing

themselves to where they want to be when it comes to the last kick --

and june themselves. Options right and left -- and edging are

themselves. Did Monaghan think he would be onside? He was and square.

One and took the penalty, it was very clever. They were not Square,

it is clever by Monaghan. You could see his reaction, he got up and has

where did ago? -- why did that go. Brett Hodgson is a Liverpool fan.

Here is Riley. It is Atkins, the centre. They it is a good back line.

He has lost it. -- that is a good back line. If you are watching at

home and wondering why this is going on. When it gets wet, the

ball really does get very slippy. You have got to control the ball.

You have got to just look after Jones-Bishop was 24 yesterday. For

the last couple of years he has celebrated his birthday and then

played in the Challenge Cup final. Peacock will be looking for a big

effort today and that has been provided so far. Sinfield, spinning

field to work with. Hall tries to time his run, he is blocked by

Briers. The touch judge is on. Whatever happens is academic

because the touch judge is on and I fancy it will be a penalty at the

other end for Leeds. Lee Briers will try to change his mind here.

Lee Briers jumps into the man, that is what the touch judge will say.

Whether that is the case or not, we have to wait and see. There was

definitely a collision in the air, whether there was intent or not.

Let's see what Lee Briers is doing, he has his eyes on him, yes, he is

getting in the way. That is a penalty. He doesn't have to move

out of the way, but he did step in to him. You could throw that replay

to 150 different people and you would gap 75 opinions each way. --

you would get. Lee Briers is to go. -- what a call that is.

There was a penalty the other end that maybe should have been,

Michael Monaghan. On the other side, Lee Briers convinced it should not

have been a penalty. But it is, and Leeds have the advantage. Kevin

Sinfield has elected to kick for goal. Again, it is an interesting

decision, four points the difference. I don't understand this,

do you? It narrows the gap to two. I have no idea what this call is

for. You have an opportunity to go for 6 points, two minutes before

half-time. If he gets two, so what, there is 40 minutes to go in the

second half. I don't really understand the decision. Maybe

harking back to history, when Leeds played Bradford, there was two

points behind -- between them on that occasion Conor -- but maybe

a test. Kevin Sinfield, Hwang -- or Sir Kevin Sinfield as they called

him in Leeds. He looks at it, looks at it, leans into him. I think,

yeah, it is the right decision. It is a 50-50 call but I think it is

the right one on that occasion. It will be interesting to see what the

boys thought at half time of the decision to go for goal. I don't

really understand that call. There has been plenty to talk about

already in this game. The conditions have prevented it being

a flowing classic. Still plenty of morsels to chew upon at half-time,

to occupy the attention of both coaches. Leeds, anxious not to lose

it in the last 17 seconds. Warrington, desperate to knock the

ball free with a bone-shaking tackle or two to give themselves

maybe one last opportunity to strike again before the hooter

sounds, at the end of what has been an engrossing first half.

half. Richard Silverwood confirms the end of the half. Warrington got

off to the perfect start. It some kicking for Kevin Sinfield, but an

Brett Hodgson has given us that scoreline. A tough game. Your

thought process changes once the shower comes down. It is then a

case of keeping possession, a good kicking game. It has been a really

tough first half. It is half time, it is leads tend, Warrington 12. --

We started with sunshine and pyrotechnics. Leeds and Warrington

meeting for the track and set -- 22nd time in the Challenge Cup with

the scores level. Coat mistakes gave Leeds a chance, Ian Kirke

scored, then the heavens opened. -- scored, then the heavens opened. --

mistakes gave Leeds the chance. A few punches were thrown, a massive

kick from Sinfield, Leeds led 8-6. Waterhouse called for Warrington.

They were back in front -- Waterhouse scored for Warrington.

Leeds have been in five finals in the 21st century and lost them all.

The last time they went into half- time this close was when it was 65

and 6 against Hull FC in 2005 and they lost that by a single point --

The rain is starting to come down again, how key have the conditions

being? It played its part in the second half of the first half. I

like the way that Warrington started. They tested Leeds in the

middle, they held the core of their defence, then they were looking to

move it wide to Waterhouse. That is where we saw the offloads coming.

The quick play-the-balls meant one- on-one tackles. They had to kick

the ball alive. Leeds learned how to deal with it. And then the

heavens opened up and it started to affect the game. It slowed to game

down. Everyone was trying to keep the ball. Leeds need to attack the

line more and Brighton a bit more. At the moment they are playing a

game of attrition. -- and threaten a bit more. They want to continue

to turn the Warrington forwards around. The Leeds defence is pretty

good. They were getting straight back on top. They need to do that.

Once they get into the opposition half, the opposition 22, they need

Warrington but the total territory favours Leeds, it is a very tight

I'm impressed with Brian McDermott just standing there in his suit, he

doesn't even flinch as the rain pours down. What do you think?

Knowing what the conditions are going to be like for the second

half, what would you be saying to your players? The dynamics of the

game changes because of the weather, it makes handling a lot more

difficult, it probably affects Warrington the most. They will

speak about being more conservative. It may help Leeds. It means the

things that are in your control, like discipline and field position,

if you can kick well enough and long enough, try to force some

errors on the opposition, statistics become more important

for two teams who don't concentrate on statistics. You have to look

after the ball, increase the possession and kick really well and

try to force some errors. That is why Kevin Sinfield went for the

goal kicks. We were debating up here, why is he going for goal? I

think he just wants to keep the scoreboard moving. If they can stay

disciplined and Warrington make a few errors and Leeds get a few more

kicks at goal, it may be a two point ball game. There were a few

heavy hits and the one injury we know about is Jamie Jones-Buchanan

going off, looking pretty sore. I here he is getting treatment and he

still may play. Early on, Sinfield was under pressure from his only

Kevin did not kick long enough. Look at Ben Westwood, he picks up

With Jamie Jones-Buchanan coming off, Rob Burrow is coming back into

People back at home say, you are talking about the weather, but you

can tighten your defensive line, so it is harder to go around. The off

loads do not become as big a threat. This is incredible, three and a

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds

This is the way they play. They That is what Warrington do well.

Around the ruck, it gets tighter, and the offload gets diminished.

Warrington could have gone 12-0 ahead, this would have been a

He does really well. Leeds Rhinos got a couple, they got the field

position. He runs straight at Brett Hodgson and Mickey Higham. They

He will shoot straight between the two people, towards the line.

is Jamie Jones-Buchanan, he is being strapped up. Perhaps he will

be OK. They are pretty tough. The heavens opened. We stop talking

about the 1968 final. When it gets wet, can you dived early for the

line and slide for as long as you like? Gravity stops you, or the

friction on the ground stops you. Perhaps you will get five more

metres, which has a lot, but do not forget the defenders can do that as

well. It is a great tactic to use in these conditions. I think it

would be a genius, to slide all the way through! We can have a look at

the Punch, Paul Wood on Carl Ablett. There is nothing subtle about it.

There is nothing subtle about it. Why is he not in the sin-bin?

the final, we want to leave him out there. If you look at the game, the

penalties, 75, that is a lot. When we come to the next try, Warrington

are good at punishing you. They give away a penalty here with

Darrell Griffin. His footwork is poor, it is really lazy. Straight

away, they isolate. They get Trent Waterhouse one on one. He checks

inside, he does not hold his space. He is too big and stronger.

Warrington are the best in UK rugby league at scoring again. Seven

penalties, a lot for Leeds Rhinos. Warrington had three on the bounce

at this stage, they got field position. That is why the dynamics

of the game have changed. Warrington will offload a lot.

Leeds Rhinos gave away three penalties on the bounce, which gave

them field position. Then, Lee Briers gave Leeds Rhinos a penalty.

They want to get them Water has -- Trent Waterhouse on to Kevin

Sinfield. With the weather, the skill becomes harder. You can get

defenders there, and the space is not as big. This time last year,

the gap was six points, Wigan were leading 16-10, and Leeds Rhinos 1.

He has gone for the brave option of leaving his coat upstairs! These

are quite some conditions. start of the game was perfect. It

was always going to turn into a few knock-ons. How have you seen the

first half? It was always going to be close. Leeds Rhinos had a lot of

territory, but Warrington got the points on the border. Anybody could

call the second half. Does this brings back memories for you?

was tough at the start of the game, with the boys walking out. It made

me even more gutted to lose the semi-final. What will one of these

teams need to do to win this? will be about keeping hold of the

ball. The surface is greasy, the kicking game will be massive. Both

sides have got a good kicker. Whichever one of them stands up

I hope the weather stays clear for tomorrow in Birmingham, it is the

Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix, 2pm, BBC Two. Mo Farah's wife gave birth

to twins yesterday, but he will be there, he is trying to beat the

outdoor record for two miles, which With barely time to catch their

breath, and our Olympic heroes are back in action. An incredible

The weather is very poor in Sunderland, their match against

Reading has been abandoned, due to The second half of the Challenge

Cup final will shortly be upon us. Leeds Rhinos trailing by two points,

but in the dressing-room, and a feeling that they could turn this

around and that they could win the Challenge Cup for the first time

since 1999. The changing conditions suit them the better, as long as

they did Kevin Sinfield the chance to kick the ball better. Rob Burrow

has to do a lot of the kicking. They will be encouraged that they

are our only two points behind, because Warrington started the game

really well. This is a powerful collection of players, Bobbington

are so strong. They have dared more to kick on the early tackles. Now,

your discipline not to give away penalties, you get into the arm

wrestle. The team that has dared, they could kick on the third tackle,

and wind the field position. If the Leeds Rhinos do that, they will

keep chipping away. Warrington always want to score tries.

Warrington walking out steadily, Leeds Rhinos running out. I thought

that Leeds Rhinos work in a better position, I think it flattered them,

the scoreline. There is a bit of nervousness, because with the

conditions, can they continue with the philosophy with the ball? Leeds

Rhinos are still in the hand, because of the scoreboard. A great

second half to go. I take the point about the body language, Leeds

Rhinos looked positive. But this is a championship team for Warrington,

we cannot read too much into that. But if it stays reasonably dry,

they are a good team at starting a half, Warrington. They like to have

the breathing space. They like to play football. If it stays close,

it is better for Leeds Rhinos. Let's rejoin Jonathan Davies and

emerge. Perhaps Jamie Jones- Buchanan will re-emerge, the injury

looked to have put him out for a week or two. The best thing about

this game, nobody could pick a winner. That is what you want at

half-time, there is a lot to play for. The ball has fallen off twice,

it is now dry, but it is still wet underfoot. A big 40 minutes. It has

stopped raining! Leeds Rhinos, with one of the men who has made an

impact, Ian Kirke. Early position their opponents down here if they

can. Nothing fancy Indies opening tackles. Leeds Rhinos looking for

efficiency and a clean getaway. They are basic skills, but it is

working for Leeds Rhinos, keeping the ball possession, a good kicking

he was a Liverpool fan, but he supports Chelsea. It was a very

happening in the dressing rooms at half-time. First, the Leeds Rhinos

dressing room. Brian McDermott says they played the conditions well,

despite being behind, they are in a decent position. They should stick

to the game-plan, and it is all about the field position. They are

hopeful they will have Jamie Jones- Buchanan back at some point.

managed to grab a word with the Warrington coach, and there was no

mention of the conditions. They just have to control the ball

better, according to Tony Smith, be asked here. The referee is going

to have as a look. He knows he has got the benefit of the video

referees to decide how the ball was lost. It is a big moment. Phil

Bentham, the video referee. players' reaction usually says a

lot. He was smashed a lot. That is a big hit. Kylie Leuluai did not

miss. Brett Hodgson left on the floor, wondering what day of the

week it is. What a hit. Rob Burrow first, or does it hit the chest

first? If it hits the test first, I think it is a fair tackle. If it

doesn't, it is a foul tackle. It is a massive call. Is it a knock-on,

well. There are so many things to look at as well. That is a good

tackle. There is the knock-on. I think it is a knock-on scrum, I

think that is a very good tackle but I think there is a knock-on.

Look at Brett Hodgson, he is back up on his feet. If you lost the

ball, you are going to do an Oscar. That ain't an Oscar, Jonathan. You

can't say that! He smashed here! Is just tough enough to get back up --

dislodges. Are they going to judge it is a knock-on by Leuluai? It is

Oh! Fair but half. There is the stadium... There he is. Kylie

Leuluai is not sure what the Leuluai is not sure what the

decision is going to be. Here it decision is going to be. Here it

comes. No try, scrum defence. He matches in the early stages of this

second half. -- two big smashes. We are back where we were. It could

easily have been a try, I felt it was a great tackle. If Hodgson

dislodges the ball, it should be an attacking scrum. Just throw-in

another little... Don't put us through that again! Anyway, Leeds

in possession. Apologies, it was you don't score from the first

set... You get the ball towards swinging it back -- light dashing

deal with it by himself, and he could. You're not going to outjump

Ryan Hall. They let him win the ball and then picked up the inside

runners. He is such a great player. They leave him when they pick up

his runners, and there is the tackle. It was good play by both

sides. The Leeds fans feel aggrieved by the decision.

it. It seems almost churlish to mention but there were a lot of

Leeds fans who were questioning Brian McDermott's pedigree as a

coach. Since then he has won a Super League Grand Final, a world

Club Challenge, this is his second Challenge Cup final. Sport is so

fickle. Lee Briers with a kick to touch, Warrington will start the

what they have done for the first 40 minutes, and what they have done

in the opening half, they have looked to open up the left side. I

would like to see the opposite and Watkins and Jones-Buchanan to have

the chance to attack the defence. Monaghan, out from dummy half. It

might have taken a deflection, picked up by Ratchford. Myler saw

the run-up coming through. Taken easily enough -- the runner coming

was. In terms of turning defence into attack, a great movement from

Warrington. Well read, at Myler, driving himself in, he has forced a

drop out underneath the sticks. Myler lined him up and he nailed

him. Two pick tackles in the last score now? Lee Briers... And the

referee said play on. That went for it. We will have to look again.

that went forward. At the moment, everything is favouring Warrington,

they have to make the most of this. They lead by two and they are in an

final tackle. Ryan Hall was underneath it, Monaghan was

underneath it. Another drop underneath the sticks. It is a

great competition. Ryan Hall against Mullah and. Was that a

knock-on or not? -- Ryan Hall against Monaghan. Did he somehow

twist? He was facing goalwards. It is the way the ball flies, not

where it lands. I think that is a influence in this game. Brought

back to the Middle by Michael Monaghan. A difficult pass for

Westwood to deal with. Poor last. Into the hands of Hodgson. He

will score here! Right in the stick or twist. Riley came side in

the end. What a big five minutes we have had. The tackle and then the

Trent Waterhouse draws the attention of the defenders. Kallum

Watkins just gets caught because of the run of Trent Waterhouse. He

steps in, Ben Bishop, two on one. Scores. His 99th Korea try, Chris

Riley. Edging closer to real landmark and what a proper occasion

it would be, to pass the century mark here today. 16-10. If Hodgson

put this over, the difference becomes a little more significant,

because it would be two caused that Warrington would lead by. -- two

might be out of the game. I told you he recovered very well. I hate

the hint of cynicism new delivered Kylie You know why, you lie down as

though you are heard because you are -- by Kylie Leuluai! He's all

right! He has put it wide. Must have been the tackle! A try and a

gold put Leeds back level. -- a try and a goal would put Leeds. A great

finish. It was the off the or Paul running by Trent Waterhouse that

sucked him in -- the off the ball think the next call is important. -

- the next score all is important. Warrington went stop playing. Maybe

they will have to draw more out of the Leeds attack. Bring the left-

backs into the game more. Monaghan again. He has been brilliant. He

should have had two penalties as stand out occasion he would have

hoped for, but there is still time. There is still 29 minutes left, but

we have to finish in 29 minutes, there is no extra time. But it is

all square, which it could be, we go to a replay -- if it is all-

square. The replay would be September 5th. Kallum Watkins

making a lot out of not much. It is out of play. He nearly rounded

defenders but gives it away. think Rob Burrow went down a blind

alley, he didn't have much to do. Unfortunately with the slippery

conditions he goes into touch. I would like to see Kallum Watkins

with more ball in hand. We haven't seen much of him because of the

Leeds tactics, they have been narrow and one dimensional and I

think slightly negative. There is a little bit of negativity. I think

Leeds and the to believe in themselves more. -- need to believe

the moment. Nicely balanced. Warrington can swing it decisively

ten-metre area. They will go short was the 5th, here comes the last.

Lee Briers puts the kick in. My word! Ryan Hall just about got

fingertips to that. A fantastic effort from Ryan Hall. The ball

staying in, had to get it, all Ratchford scores. Fantastic

defensive play. Lee Briers, the top Warrington try scorer in their

their time will come. They have by Lee Briers. Look how close he is

now and they still have tackles in the bank. They have been numbers,

they have been numbers! A different finisher, Ryan Atkins! Another try

for the Warrington Wolves. Two again. It has been very difficult

for Jamie Jones -- 4 Ben Jones- Bishop. They have been caught short

on that right hand side. It is a dummy runner once again. Three onto,

you'd have got to pick the man. But Hodge and picks the correct manner.

-- prep hotch unpicks the correct manner. That is the problem. That

decision seems to have defeated Leeds Rhinos, the Kylie Leuluai

decision. They have been unlucky with the calls. It is the

Warrington fans who are in terrific voice. Those in primrose and blow,

as opposed to the amber and blue at the other end... Leeds Rhinos have

got to be more expansive now, they have got to print these boys into

the game, Kallum Watkins, Ryan Hall, Zak Hardaker. Rob Burrow has got to

dark. -- dart. It is struck superbly well. They are 12 points

clear. Two converted tries. That is the money ball. Very difficult for

Ben Jones-Bishop to cover two men. It is the right pass to the right

player, and the right result for Warrington. The simple -- symbol is

for the son of Andy Johnson. They are trying to raise awareness and

money for research into muscular dystrophy. That is what he is

suffering from. The Rugby League fraternity have really got behind

it. Andy was a tremendous player, and a lovely lad. I wish them all

of the look in the world. You could see from the possession how much it

Leeds Rhinos windows. -- wingers. There is a lot of time left for

Leeds Rhinos. They have just got to play the game. If they get one try,

they are back in it. They are short on the right hand side, look at how

narrow they are. It is easy for Warrington to defend against them.

The narrower the attack, the easier it is for the defence. The passing

is not good. Jimmy Keinhorst has come on. He has done well to get

anything in. Jimmy Keinhorst, the German international, 22 years of

age. He only made his debut just over a month ago. His father is a

lecturer at Leeds Met University. Because they closed Kevin Sinfield

man with the most famous beard in the game, Tyrone McCarthy, has to

wait a moment to see if he has been given the try. Abstraction? --

destruction? I could not see that. Let's see it. It was great support

play, never giving up, Ben Westwood, offloading. There is not an our

destruction there. -- an obstruction. They are looking at

Chris Hill. That was not a block. Perhaps it was just a peripheral

vision thing. I just think they covered and seltzer. -- covered

touch. That is a try. The Leeds Rhinos players, as they would do,

asking the referee to go for the video replay,... Phil Bentham is

happy there was nothing amiss. Tyrone McCartney -- Tyrone McCarthy,

in 2009, he played only three weeks after his first game for the team.

He is far more experienced at this time. He has scored a try.

Warrington have stretched the lead we got it within ourselves? Can we

come back from here? At the moment, Warrington on looking like the

fourth success of this Cup final. It goes over, as easy as you like.

28-10. The scorer is off for a breather, the interchange comes on.

Great hands from Stefan Ratchford, he is such a talent. What an

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds

and possession. That is massive, 78% are. Most of it in the lead to

-- in the Leeds Rhinos half. Leeds Rhinos are struggling to get out of

their half. Deflated and possibly defeated. The last try, they put

pressure on Kevin Sinfield, the only kickabout they have. Because

he could not get the kick, the next kicker was Jimmy Keinhorst, but

they got the ball back in their own half. They were on the attack

straightaway. I cannot believe that, you need another kicker, somebody

like Rob Burrow, to take the Hill's hat off. A distinct

disadvantage! That his frustration for Ryan Bailey. He does not help

himself. You have just got a bitter opposition. A late block. Once the

man is down, you cannot jump on him. That is why the penalty has been

given. Jamie Jones-Buchanan, he looked every inch a Challenge Cup

casualty in the first half, he is a four score game. Leeds Rhinos

have to score four times now, Warrington are getting closer and

nothing else on. They have totally dominated the game since the Kylie

Leuluai tackle. They won in 2009 and 2010. Mostly, this collection

of players. And his coach. It looks every inch that they will be

winners in 2012. A short kick-off by Leeds Rhinos, a knock-on. Adrian

Morley will be back before the end of the game. He has played a

Leeds Rhinos, they have to go for it. They have to take a gamble. It

was a forward pass. Stevie Ward is looking groggy. He got smashed.

Absolutely smashed. They have to throw caution to the wind. He

recovered well. Only a fraction late, the referee says. If it is

moment, it will be miraculous if Leeds Rhinos can win. They have to

stop this Warrington momentum. They are playing well at the moment.

They are on the rack, Leeds Rhinos. They have got to gather themselves.

They have got to try to get back into this game. They have got to

keep it tight, and it has been difficult to change the tactics,

now they have got to chase the game. Leeds Rhinos lost the last two

finals, they could be the first Right in front of the sticks.

might as well kick this, take the points. He wants to roll it on.

that Tony Smith is perhaps the most influential overseas coach we have

had in Super League, for what he has done at Huddersfield and

Warrington and Leeds. There was an argument that his opposite number

Brian McDermott was making earlier this week. It looks like he's going

to have a third Warrington Challenge Cup to add to his CV.

Brian McDermott can only look on and wonder how his side can turn

been in the mix for the last few years, when Leeds have failed to

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds

find the line in a Challenge Cup held. Just got rid of it as the

referee shouted held -- a solid drive forward. I think it is a good

rule change. Getting towards the Lance Todd Trophy decision, it is a

decision that members of Her Majesty's press make. I think Ben

Westwood have got a good chance. is as good as anybody else today.

It has got to be a Warrington player, because they have dominated,

route back. 11 and a half minutes left to play. They virtually have

to score on every set at this stage of the game. And look how narrow

Watkins scores! It gives a hint of a recovery. You never know in this

game. They have 10 minutes left. One more try, and they start

thinking they can do it. They have been feeling sorry for themselves

for the last five or seven minutes, that will give themselves belief.

Burrow, Sinfield, another offload. He gets on the outside of Carvell,

Hardaker, and it is a lovely kick. Watkins said his pace. Time is of

the essence, Kevin Sinfield spending as little time as he can

over this kick but he has to make sure he nails them. He has put that

times before the end of the game. have seen for a long time today and

now we have a bit of sunshine. Is there belief on the touchline up?

Does Brian McDermott feel at his side could still pull this off? 10

minutes left to play. Three tries, the least of the requirements. They

have to keep doing what they're doing, it through the offloads,

they have a great strike runners. We haven't seen a lot of the

outside runners, Hall and Watkins. Now the offloads are coming in.

Hardaker has a bit of a show. Leeds building been immense and again.

minutes is such a long time. Watkins picks itself back up and

carries on. There are four tackles in the bank. Leeds with an

opportunity. Lee Briers drops on it, then he has lost it. What is he

doing? The referee says play on, Leeds have it back again and self-

dance and waits, taken in by Bailey. desperately on their own line, they

know they have to keep Leeds out to away! And Warrington with a bit of

resistance. Hill with another try afford. It is Warrington's to lose,

Here comes the last. Lee Briers, looking for touch or a dead-ball

situation, he gills it out of play. His defenders cannot rely on the 30

metre line. Leeds take the tap on the 20. Oh, dear. Jones-Buchanan,

into the arms of Watkins. Knocked end. Leeds players and bench, just

a little bit of hope raised. Another error made and Warrington,

volume, those Warrington supporters. Just beginning to start their

celebrations. 6 1/2 minutes to go. It is hardly premature. They have

just got to play it out now, they are very threatening when they get

into this position. Maybe that has for the Warrington Wolves! Three

years ago, his heart broke as a Huddersfield player. His body was

nearly broken by the big hit of Kylie Leuluai. But at the end of

the game becomes up a hero. It is going to be Warrington's they've.

Just watch the whips they put on this. -- Warrington's day. Watch

the width they put on this. He is the kicker as well. He will take

his time walking back. Just watch the dummy runners again. The width

on the pass, they stretch the defence. They have attacked the

youngsters on the right-hand side and again, there is the dummy pass.

Trent Waterhouse has caused havoc with his dummy running. The great

width on the passing. Monaghan, in he comes, he throws the dummy, he

stood off him a little bit, Kallum part of the field, hasn't it? Joel

Monaghan was the other side but apart from that... Certainly

Warrington have wreaked havoc down the left side attack. Trent

Waterhouse is so important. His running of the ball has been superb.

-- running off the ball. Over it goes, it adds to his day of delight.

It is now pushing out to a very comfortable scoreline in favour of

Warrington. They are winning at a another day of heartbreak for them.

1999, the last time they won a Challenge Cup final. Six finals

an exercise in running down the clock. Warrington Wolves know they

have a big party to attend. The celebrations are shared with those

in yellow and blue, who find them celebrated for the third year in

four. I think they have manage to Wigan are there, Leeds are always

minutes left to play. Stevie Ward. is down injured. He is all right,

feed for Leeds. The Lance Todd Trophy winner today, Brett Hodgson.

But he is only the 4th and Australian to win that title. His

team-mate, Michael Monaghan, in 2009. He is the 4th Australian,

Brett Hodgson. He joins an illustrious list of Warrington

winners. Only five Warrington players, only four Australians.

Brett Hodgson joins an almost exclusive list. Kylie Leuluai picks

it up. Leeds are going to be held here. Confirmed by the referee --

Kallum Watkins. It matters little as far as the outcome of the game

is concerned. At least he has two tries. He is a star of the future.

I feel Leeds have had too much to do. The Warrington's attack has

because that has fallen short of his high expectations. Today's

performance will have fallen short of Brian McDermott's high

expectations. His Leeds' side, soundly beaten, despite the late

effort by Kallum Watkins there. I am not sure we are going to have

seconds to delay Leeds Rhinos' agony, to delay the celebrations of

the Warrington Wolves. Lee Briers has gone across to celebrate with

Brett Hodgson. A little high five. He Blundy of Ward himself a couple

of years ago. -- he won three of The hooter has sounded. Warrington

offside, so a penalty for Leeds Rhinos. Tony Smith does not care.

forlorn figure, Brian McDermott. It is not the place to lose three

times. Jimmy Keinhorst hit with a thunderous tackle by Lee Briers.

The embrace for Joel Monaghan and Lee Briers, the walk of pride for

Tony Smith. Brian McDermott left wondering what the blueprint is for

Challenge Cup victory for the Leeds Rhinos. Full marks to the

Warrington Wolves, three times the winners in the last four years, and

they have done the job very efficiently. They were the better

side, but the turning point was when Kylie Leuluai hit the tackle

on Brett Hodgson. The try was not awarded. I felt that that was aged

huge turning point, the momentum swung it, Warrington went ahead and

scored some quick tries, and Leeds Rhinos were deflated. The best team

won. Kevin Sinfield must be wondering if he will ever, ever

collect a Challenge Cup winners' medal. Not today. It is

Warrington's day, they have beaten You have won the man-of-the-match,

what and after it. -- what an afternoon. I had more than my usual

dose of hammering his, but what a feeling. To get this today, a

wonderful bunch of blokes, I am over the moon. How does it compare

to when you're lost three years ago? I have good memories of that

game. The wise if you get, you tend to appreciate everything. To be on

the flip side this time, it is very pleasing. You mentioned some of the

battering, the hit from Kylie Leuluai would have poleaxed most

people. I do not remember it. He is a great bloke. There was nothing

wrong with the tackle. Three victories in four a tense, it is an

incredible record. It is a competition in which we do pretty

well on a regular basis. Last year, we were disappointed, and it was

our aim to get here again this year. We have got Lee Briers as well. You

are making a habit of it. Another victory. He got knocked out six

times, what a performance by him. For the boys, for the town, for

Warrington, we wanted to lift the trophy last year, but we are back

and we have got it. At 6-6, the storm came, that could have

distracted year. Leeds Rhinos or the rain?! They gave us a mighty

storm all the way through. They are a really good wet-weather football

team. How does this compare to your previous triumphs? We are up there,

nobody can argue. Will people mention unit in the same breath

after his great Wigan sides? have got a way to go, but we are

not far off. We will enjoy this. Tony Smith, the victorious coach.

Congratulations. Your thoughts and feelings? Fantastic. It is hard to

put into words, I love seeing the players get their rewards for a

hard effort. I feel for Leeds Rhinos, they put in an enormous

effort. But our second half was very strong. It showed how much the

players wanted it in the second half. What did you say in the

second half? I felt we gave away possession too much in the first

half. It gave the Leeds Rhinos editor of impetus. We needed to get

down the other end and to put some pressure on. We felt that we might

come away with the spoils. Lee Briers handled it well, Brett

Hodgson was outstanding. The skipper lifted asked. He gave us

some real lift in that department. I am really pleased. Adrian Morley

is with us, you have won just about everything there is to win. How did

that feel? I will never get sick of it, I have been lucky enough to win

a few things, but you just want more and more. The effort was

fantastic. They came to play. They were very determined, Jamie Peacock

was outstanding. The downpour did not help us in the first half, but

in the second half, we were really focused. The possession told.

rain could have been a distraction, but it was not mentioned in the

dressing room? It was not. You cannot do much about the weather.

Thankfully, it was a bit brighter in the second half. Where does it

rank amongst your achievements? is up there. To have gone down with

Warrington at three times in four years is a fantastic achievement.

Everybody at the club needs a lot of credit. Warrington are making

these major finals. You are an old geezer, do you appreciated more?

Certainly. When you get to the latter stages, you do not know how

many occasions like this you have. I have really enjoyed it.

Commiserations, you just never seemed to get the momentum going.

thought we had our periods. Warrington played really well. They

had a fair about of momentum. We had some periods where we were

getting on top. There was a big call just after the second half,

Kylie Leuluai, I do not know it was -- I do not know why it was not

awarded. Warrington deserved it, but it was aged huge momentum shift.

It seemed to deflate your team. have got to be able to handle that.

But at the same time, you do certain things to put yourself in a

position to get the benefits from the situation. It was not a high

shot, because we got the ball back, but I do not understand it. They

might have thought we knocked it on. I do not understand it. I am not

saying that the game came down to that, Warrington deserved to win,

but if we were going to come back, it was in that period. After that,

they had a couple of quick tries, and it did you a while to get back

into it. It is easier said than done. You proved last year that you

can pick the team up, that will be the job again. That is what we will

Silverwood, getting his medal. It has been a year of medals,

especially for a Yorkshireman. This is the longest, lowest walk of them

all. It is almost watcher to make 18 do this, especially in the

circumstances. Leeds Rhinos have been here so often, and failed to

deliver, failed to pick up the silverware there would cherish more

than any, the Challenge Cup. 1999, the last time a Leeds Rhinos

skipper would grab a hold of it. Kevin Sinfield was hoping he could

write the wrong that, from their point of view, but it was not to be

the case. Last year, they used this defeat as a springboard towards

Grand Final success in the play- offs. Brian McDermott will be

hoping they can do something similar this year. They showed

great character last year. They were superbly at the end of the

season. It is a horrible thought, it is not a place for losers.

might be the latter stages of his career, Adrian Morley, but he just

keeps going and going and going. They are going, going, gone,

unfortunately for them. Today, anyway. The smiles off the winners

and Brett Hodgson, 34 years of age. Heartbreak three years ago, the

ultimate joy today, a winning team, a try scorer, kicking goals and

taking over one of the most famous individual awards as well. Do not

tell me there are more like him at home! Lee Briers, Ryan Atkins,

Richie Myler, left out of the team three years ago, but part of a

winning effort today. They are happy to shake anybody's hand. The

Warrington chairman there. And the chief executive of the Rugby

Football League. Peter Phillips of presenting the trophy. It is that

man again, that team again. Three victories in four years, it to such

an impressive return for the Warrington Wolves. Wembley turns a

shade of yellow and blue. Primrose and blue, to be correct. Richie

Myler, Joel Monaghan, following day and his brother's footsteps as a

Wembley winner. Tyrone McCarthy, he was nearly a day be turned three

years ago. Ben Harrison, Garreth Carvell, who leads the line so

impressively. Brett Hodgson. Michael Monaghan. Ben Westwood. The

foundations on which this team is built. It goes along the line,

Mickey Higham, Trent Waterhouse, Stefan Ratchford, Paul word, Chris

Hill, what an impressive player he is, and last but not least, Tony

Smith, who has built a dynasty. He got Huddersfield and Leeds Rhinos a

punt remained, and he is building a dynasty here at Warrington. He is

left to pick up the pieces, and his winner's medal. Warrington are the

winners, 35 to 18. What a day for The only senior figure from