21/09/2014 Rugby League: Super League Highlights

Whatever happens today, we have got a too horrific score. This is

terrific. -- too What about that pass, and what about

that try! Welcome to Headingley, where Leeds

play host to Catalan Dragons in the opening weekend of the Super League

play-offs. Jo Wilkins is sidelined, how frustrating to be out at this

time of year. It is frustrating. I want to be involved in these big

games and big occasions. -- Jo Wilkin is sidelined. We have some

even bigger fixtures coming. Let's remind ourselves of the standings in

the 1st utility Super League table. The end of the 2014 season saw some

and predictable results. Saint Helen 's position at the top of the table

and then the 1st trophy in 6 years. They had to wait 24 hours to be

crowned leaders as Castleford have the chance to take it from them by

winning the last fixture in the South of France last Saturday. A

poor performance or them squander their 2nd chance this season to put

some silverware in the trophy cabinet. Quite some achievement for

Saint Helens, what was it like to get your hands on that shield?

Fantastic as a player. It's a huge achievement. To win the shield after

the season, all of the rounds, to then be the most consistent side, it

is really satisfying. Ultimately the next few weeks is about getting to

the Grand Final. Although it is nice to win the shield, it isn't the end

of the season. Such a close competition, does that reflect how

strong it has been, or the fact that nobody wanted to grab it? I always

thought it was dying to somebody to get a grip of it. Really get hold of

this season, but nobody did. We scraped through. Producing some good

performances. But some indifferent performances, as well, and nobody

got to grips with it. There was a congested table at the top. Only two

points separating the top 6 sides. That takes is beautifully into the

play-off season. It has started with a bang and will continue to excite.

How do the teams get to Old Trafford, and the Grand Final? After

27 rounds, the top 8 clubs entered the play-off series, effectively in

qualifying play-offs and elimination play-offs. The winners of the two

qualifying play-offs will have a buy.

1st up this year, the current champions Wigan, playing host to

last year 's league leaders Huddersfield. The Giants went into

this on a 7-game unbeaten run. Having beaten Wigan twice already

this season. Could they do it again on Thursday night? Here is George

Riley. COMMENTATOR: Wigan 's hopes of retaining were given a confidence

boost. Josh Charnley opened the scoring midway through the 1st half,

and it proved to be the catalyst for Wigan's biggest ever play-off

fixture. Scrum-half Matty Smith dummied through for a fine solo

effort before he turned provider, setting up substitute Tony Clubb

with a delicious short pass. The Warriors raced further clear a

minute later. Farrell finishing a move that he started to open up a 20

4 -0 lead in the interval, and make a mockery of Huddersfield's 7 match

unbeaten run. -- 24-0 lead. The Giants, without their

inspirational captain Danny Brough through injury, did threaten a fight

back early in the 2nd-half with Leroy Cudjoe following up his own

kick to score a speculative try. It did prove to be a false storm.

Wigan, who went into the match off the back of two successive home

victories over Warrington and Leeds, was soon back in control with Joel

Tomkins sliding over for his 1st try since returning from rugby union.

Much to the delight of the younger brother Sam, a star in the NRL. And

things got even better for the Warriors with Joe Burgess and Dan

Sarginson combining down the left-hand side to score the home

side's 6 try of the evening. The Giants's defends incomplete

disarray. -- defence. Huddersfield have only won 3 play-off games. They

were then hit by this 70 metre try created by Eddy Pettybourne. Burgess

then heavily involved once more with Aussie star Matt Bowen in support to

finish it off and take Wigan over the 40 point barrier. He then

displayed his own handling skills with a fine flick pass to send Josh

Charnley over for his 2nd try of the night. And the humiliation wasn't

yet complete. Skipper Sean O'Loughlin joined the party when he

juggled Blake Green's pass before the Warriors put the icing on the

cake with the try of the night. Burgess collected Luke Robinson's

kick on his own try line before the 19 -year-old outpaced legally Jo Ann

Scott Grix to raise the full length of the field and touch down for his

9th successive match. -- legally -- Lee Cudjoe and Scott Grix. Shaun

Wane's side only 80 minutes away from another Grand Final. -- 18

that was a ruthless display, wasn't it? Every facet of the game they

dominated. There wasn't 1 area of the game where you thought

Huddersfield had the better of it. In the terms of the kicking game,

the physical aspects, the contact, the Rasel, controlling the speed,

and some fantastic tries. -- hustle. The other sides would have

sit -- sat up and taking notice. It is about raising your standards.

Wigan seem to have done that. As the Huddersfield, the coach said it was

embarrassing and his side got emotional, what does he mean by

that? When you get emotional you do things you don't normally do. His

side were erratic, unpredictable in how they played. I didn't associate

that with emotion, is associated that with a lack of concentration.

The actual physical preparation for the game, or the aggression, it was

down. Who knows what you would should be back to. I'm sure they

will be revved up to achieve something better in the next round.

Next, it was the league leaders Saint Helens against 4th placed

Castleford. Castleford have been the surprise package this season, but

lost the Challenge Cup final to rivals Leeds last month. They

bounced back in the league with two consecutive victories. They knew

that a victory against Castleford would hand them the league leaders

shield. The Castleford Tigers have lost their lines. Another mischance

and it meant a play-off against top of the league Saint Helens. There

was a chance to make amends. COMMENTATOR: Tonight, the league

leaders winners and the side who nearly pipped them to the prize.

Castleford have been the unheralded success story this season. How far

into the play-offs does that story continue to run? Saint Helens have

had their injury problems. They know how to cope with the players like

Jonny Lomax and Wilkin and Walsh. Alex Walmsley is also suspended

tonight. Richards comes in for him. It is a reflection of the injury

problems that sets the row forward. Flanagan is named as scrum-half.

Ellis comes into the Castleford side. Milner start at hooker with

the Dream Team selection Daryl Clark starting on the bench. Saint Helens

for the head and feet in a very threatening position. Here comes

Luke Thompson. Luke Thompson with a 1st effort. James Roby. Dummy half.

The pass was read well by charlatan who got into the face of land

WHISTLE The referee takes a good long look

at that and points the finger. Saint Helens have the try. You cannot give

that amount of space. Shenton working hard. He dives through. How

many times have we seen him do that? Great try from James Roby. The

stakes are so high here tonight. Percival. Saint Helens have owned

this position with the defence. Now a chance to launch a -- an attack.

James Roby. Turner. Just forced the pass. He did well to hang on in the

end. Looking pretty close. James Roby, who has scored 1 tonight, he

might have a 2nd... He has got a 2nd! WHISTLE

He's been the best dummy half for quite some time now. And twice now,

He's been the best dummy half for on this night, he has scored a try.

A quick play-the-ball. You see him run from dummy half. And he is. Any

quick ball he gets from the commie gets on it and jumped on the inside.

You cannot give him too much space, he is good. -- from there, he gets

on it. Soliola might have a chance to play around here, just a -- to

test the resolve of the Castleford defence. Another would be massive in

the context of the game. Wellens. It will go back for a drop goal attempt

from Turner. He might have got it, I think... Yes, he has. 1.4 Jordan

Turner which gives Saint Helens a 3 score lead at half-time. That might

be crucial at the end of the night. -- a 1 point 4 Jordan Turner. I

think they need to take some risks tonight. -- for Jordan Turner. James

Roby. Back to James Roby. Over to Jordan Turner. What a pace here.

What a dry the Saint Helens. A bit of an interchange down the middle.

WHISTLE And then sheer pace from Jordan

Turner. Making the night just a little more comfortable for Saint

Helens. Early in the 2nd half. This is the runaround. Soliola. Back to

James Roby. He finds Jordan Turner at the back door and off he goes.

They don't get anywhere near him until he is over the line. That is

terrific pace from Jordan Turner. Soliola, James Roby, and then Jordan

Turner. "Catch me if you can. " They have no chance, he slams it on the

line. With a slicing high kick. Wellens has a touch on it. It is

back to 1. Castleford inside the 25. Is this the break they needed?

Here is Clark at dummy half. Quick hands. Channing steps in on the

inside and he finds a way through. The ball has gone to ground. He

hasn't managed to touch it down. It wasn't on. And it is opportunity

spurned. He did all of the hard work. Gets onto his legs, and he has

lost it. Desperately trying to get the ball down. Fantastic effort from

James Roby. Scores the 1st two tries, and bottles the life out of

Channing. They needed that, Castleford. What have they got up

their sleeves? It has Castleford. What have they got up

ground. Picked up by Adam Smith. This might be the moment Saint

Helens seal it. Castleford desperately looking 1-way, they are

now forced to look over their shoulders as Saint Helens begin to

disappear out of sight. Adam Smith's tries. Liam Finn misses.

Adam Smith picks his pocket, picks the ball off the floor, and again it

is all about the foot race. There is no Castleford shirt in the frame. He

isn't going to be caught from there. To render -- tremendous effort from

Milner. Picks his pocket right here. Smith is in the defensive line. He

has gone. Great finish. You will not score an easy 1. They have had a

season to enjoy. Top four finish. Very nearly got the league leaders

shield. Tonight they are informed. Saint Helens beginning to sparkle

again. Just when it matters the most common in these play-offs.

McCarthy-Scarsbrook is taking them close. -- the most, in these

play-offs. Might there be a question of a penalty try here? Saint

Helens's chaser was dragged down. They have to be sure he was going to

school if they are going to give a penalty try. It has at least got to

be a penalty. -- going to score. It is a penalty try for me. Would he

have got there? I think so. Here we go. The decision. No try. Well, we

know that. But is it a penalty try? No, it is just a penalty. It is just

a penalty. And he is heading off, Michael Shenton, for 10 minutes in

the sin-bin for the professional foul. Yellow card shown. Only 17

minutes of the game remaining. If Castleford had a chance, slender as

it was, I think it has just gone. Castleford short on personnel. Saint

Helen 's full of vigour and expectation, and Nathanson will

score in the corner. 26 Super League tries. Michael Shenton can only for

normally look on. A full food will have another chance next week. They

have taken the chance tonight, Saint Helens. -- Castleford will have

another chance next week. Extra hands. Beaten them. Releases

personal -- Percival in the corner. Great hands. Saint Helens

frantically trying to get themselves onto the scoreboard again. Amor

Wrestling a couple of defenders. He has got it down. He has never got

that down! He has got it down. I have beaten you, beating you, too

strong for you, gets it down the line. -- beaten you. And that is all

it takes. Strong stuff. Michael Shenton back on the field. He has

spent 10 minutes on -- in the sin-bin. It is a lost cause. Saint

Helen 's winning by a landslide. Percival still asking questions of

those Castleford defenders. -- St Helens. Just about kept hold of it,

I think. Turned over the short 1. Trying to do what Kyle Abell did,

has he repeated it? I don't think so. They are having a look, but I

think he thinks it is a ball held up. Is that what he said? That is

what he suggested. Of course he did. Is it over the line? It has touched

the line. The video referee is asking the referee if he thought it

was over the line. The answer was in the affirmative. I think they might

give this. Here comes the decision. CHEERING

His name goes up in the lights at Langtry. He takes 3 shirt over,

four, 5, sticks his backside into the Castleford defence, gets the

ball down. And it is a great try. Congratulations, that was a great

team performance. As you said, team performance tonight. Always nice to

get a score like that. Castleford were quality. What do you think was

missing from your side tonight, or wear Saint Helens to good? It was

tight in the 1st half. -- were. We were lacking something. We were just

not quite good enough. The whole effort tonight, you just suffocated

them at times, didn't you? We did a great job. To be fair to some of the

boys, I thought the 1st 30 minutes of the game was really good. --

their boys. They will go back to the Jungle, they like playing on the

home field. Whoever they meet will be a big side, but I would not write

them off at the moment. We might be given another shot at it. But

another performance like that clearly isn't going to be good

enough. I will be asking the boys to respond. It felt like you were

playing with a real marker. I think -- we have won by what we have won

by. We will pick a side who is going to be tipped to beat us. We have a

good week of training ahead. We will find out who we will play. And

hopefully we can put out another performance like that tonight. So

many people have written them off this season, how much is that

driving them forward? Other years I would have said it wouldn't have,

but this year it has. I count myself in that. The fans have been

critical, so have broadcasters, about us coming into the play-offs.

That adds fuel to the fire. It will see us kick on and produce more

great performances like that. How pleased were you with the defence?

It was unbelievable. The defence was 1 of the key point in the game. On

the back of that we scored some great tries. I want to mention

Turner, as well, I thought he had a great game, he controlled everything

for us. As the Castleford, the coach has said his players are tired. They

looked tired in the 2nd half, how does he get them back up, where do

you get energy levels from? It is difficult to find confidence from

somewhere at this stage. You are right, they need something on and it

has got to start next week. Those teams had a 2nd chance. Not for the

next two matches we are on to the elimination play-offs. 1st up, it

was Warrington at home to Widnes Vikings. With this are in the

play-offs for the 1st time since their reintroduction to Super League

in 2012. A season which saw the coach take them to a Challenge Cup

semifinal -- their approach. They will be hoping to repeat the July

victory. Warrington's defeat by Wigan saw them miss out on by a

single point. They were without Ben Westwood and Simon Grix. But they

will be looking to go 1 better than last year when they finished as

Super League runners up. COMMENTATOR: No 2nd chances. Nowhere

to hide for Warrington and Widnes Vikings. Recent Grand Final regulars

against play-off debutants. 1 team's season finishes and a

definite derby day atmosphere. Warrington are without Ben Westwood

and Simon Grix, who suffered that horrible broken ankle. Ryan Atkins

returns. Michael Monaghan will come off the bench for his last the --

last performance at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Brown, what a season he has had. Into the line. Atkins wrapped him up

quickly. Dotball to go. A little dab through. This is an opportunity on

the far side. This is close. Wow. Threaded the needle, hasn't it? It

is very close, isn't it? Very close. The try is given. CHEERING

Paddy Flynn has given the Widnes Vikings a dream start here at

Warrington. It is all down to Brown's touch. But Paddy Flynn still

has to fly in there, get his hands on the ball, and he knocked it. The

try scoring chance now. There it is. Paddy Flynn gets it. They are off to

a good start. Brown. Little of load in front. Tickle. He goes into a sea

of Warrington Wolves. Right in front. Decent position on the last

for Clark to set things up. Played it up beautifully. It is another

appeal for Paddy Flynn on the far side. K -- Cahill thinks he has got

number two. Great kick from Brown. It sat up. Warrington Wolves had to

deal with it, and has he dealt with it? That is a try. Here we go, they

are taking a long look at this... CHEERING

The try has been awarded. Two tries for Paddy Flynn. Widnes Vikings are

all over Warrington early. Great kick from Brown. Different type of

kick. Stops in the in goal because he chipped it a little bit. A

sideways little thing on the side of his boot. Gave him every chance.

This is a good game. It is a terrific game of rugby league, just

what the players require. And they take it up to the line. Kevin Brown,

those white and orange boots. Now then, opportunity. He goes inside.

He has got to go on his own. What a score for Rhys Hanbury. He will look

upstairs for the video referee. What a moment this could be for the

Widnes Vikings. I think he has asked to look at an obstruction here in

the back row. Broken 1 tackle. Russell is 1-on-1 with Rhys

Hanbury. He breaks the tackle and keeps going. It is the initial

contact with Bridge. I think this is going to be a try. CHEERING

Try awarded, and what a huge moment in this game. The twinkle toes step

of Rhys Hanbury. He just keeps going. Brown releases him. Bridge

breaks 1 tackle. Breaks two. Great finish. Doesn't need the support.

Warrington being torn apart by Widnes Vikings. Ratchford. Back to

miler. Chris Bridge. Monaghan pixel motion

-- Monaghan! How they needed that. Their top try scorer comes up trumps

again just when they needed it most. Monaghan, Ratchford, O'Brien, miler,

beats the defenders. Releases Chris Bridge and Monaghan in the corner.

-- Richie Myler. A little bit of fluidity. He will be looking for

quick hands, quick ball. Great ball from Richie Myler who has fallen

down. And he just has to tip it over to Joel Monaghan. 5 in his last 3

for Joel Monaghan. A double in each of his last two fixtures. At least

another double here. Brown has gone for the 1 point. Kevin Brown! Quick

thinking. That will prove a big 1. I am laughing, he is thinking, job is

a good and, not a bad idea. -- job's a good'un. Tickle and

a good and, not a bad idea. -- job's flowed from Monaghan! For the 3rd

game in a row, he has scored two tries. He has gone to the video

screen. -- flow from Monaghan. I think they are looking for an

obstruction. There is nothing there. A fantastic try scoring record from

Joel Monaghan. Breathing life into the push. -- their push. He gives

themselves too much to do. Joel Monaghan, great finish from him.

Nice ball. Richie Myler back to Chris Bridge with a great ball.

Brian Wilber aerial once again. -- will go. There will... That has been

a mess up. That could be a massive moment in this context. Got him on

the chest. Straight through his hands. The scoreboard remains on the

Vikings's side. It is all coming from the home side, who get another

shot at penalty. -- at penalty given away. He has had a good start to the

2nd half, hasn't he? A big dried for the big fellow. What can Monaghan

set up the Richie Myler? -- drive. It is going to be another score.

Rhys Evans, this time, put it down. They are right back in the contest,

right back in the play-off books. Shifted it again. Atkins, straight

to Rhys Evans for a finish in the corner. Great hands Joel Monaghan.

Richie Myler. O'Brien at other end of the pitch, and plenty of feeding

for both teams at the end of the pitch today. These games have

momentum swings. He just lost the ball. All of those little mistakes,

the turnovers, the handovers that go wrong. Everything is going the way

of Warrington. That was a mess. It has gone backwards. The end result

is the same, possession for Warrington.

That was a blast from the past. Here he go, can he get the ball away to

Monaghan? He can! Hat-trick for Joel Monaghan.

Super League's most prolific try scorer, has come up with potentially

his most crucial try of the season. The hat-trick score, for the first

time gives Warrington the lead. Great off load. Bridge stands Phelps

up and gets rid of Ah Van, he tracks Hanbury. Well played Chris Bridge.

Beats Ah Van. It was a poor effort and Joel Monaghan finishes those

easier than he finished the other one.

Last tackle to Browne. High again. Sliced off the outside of the right

boot. An error! A big error from Matty Russell. He has hurt imts as

well. It was a ricochet of players. -- himself. Think he has knocked him

clean out. And then the head on to the ground as well. That is

horrible. Matty Russell knocked out cold. Receiving oxygen. The

Warrington players and staff there asking the referee to make sure he

puts the incident on report. They are up happy, Warrington, here we

see it again, the knock on is clear. Is it a shoulder charge? Is it? Good

question. A ten minute delay during which time the medical staff have

taken every precaution to stabilise Matty Russell. He has received

oxygen and leaves the field in a neck brace, strapped on to the

stretcher. He leaves the field with everyone's best wishes, we hope he

is OK. Can they finish the job this time?

Hanbury has given it away. And Monaghan will set off. Has Monaghan

got the toes? Hanbury is after him. What a tackle! What a brilliant

saving tackle. Brilliant saving tackle. Play on, what are you doing?

If you like your rugby league end to end, enjoy that last segment of

play. Great tackle from Hanbury. Came one a poor pass in the first

place, and totally redeemed himself with the tackle. Wow. Joel what a

game, how much did you enjoy play in that? . Yes, it was a, a good second

half, the first half we struggled. To their credit they played well.

They are a good side, and to our credit we come back, we fought back

and regained the lead and held on. So, in front of a home crowd, it was

a good last game for the boys. I I thought Widnes put on smart plays

and they executed it well. We weren't shocked by it, but we just

didn't answer it, and second half I thought we built the game. We built

the momentum in that second half. It started within the first couple of

minutes in the second half, you could feel the momentum switch. It

is one that got away from us. We felt we started well enough to get

the win, and we feel we should be moving forward from this, but really

strong Warrington side came out, and showed that it is not the first five

minutes, it is the second five minutes. We couldn't get far enough

away from them to prevent us getting us in the end. The Matty Russell

didn't look good for him, what you tell us? They have taken him to the

right place, he is in the balance on his way to hospital, straight away,

and apparently, he had a fair concussion, and he's going to lose a

couple of teeth and his nose is broken. It is not a great position

for Matty to be in. There was a lot of concern about him. We have lots

of positives this year, as a group we will stay strong, we are not

making wholesale change, we are not changing things massively. Using

this as a way of learning is going to be something we will speak about

in the next few weeks. John that was your game of two halve, wasn't it?

Yes, Widnes started so strong, fantastic start for them. I think

when they got the early try, really everybody in the game stood back,

took notice and thought they were going to do something special, but

Warrington are a quality side and the reason they are is the way they

ground their way back thine game. Really slowly, gradually, built

momentum and ended up coming home with the goods. That is why they are

a great side. Kevin Brown's kicking game was key, wasn't it? Yes,

everything good that Widnes have done this year usually revolves

round him. He is a great player, organises well, creates

opportunities for his team-mates. That is what he did in the first

half N the second half he was stifled by the Warrington defence

which was the real difference for me, how they defended in that half.

Will Tony Smith be worried about how they defended in the first half?

Potentially he will. You can't start poorly, with all due respect to

Widnes, I thought a side like Leeds or St Helen, we would have scored a

tumour point against them and made it really difficult for them. But

Warrington did really well, and will have got a lot of confidence about

how they came back into that game. They could do with Ben Westwood back

to shore things up. Ben is more than the fiscal things what we bring, he

brings leadership and action and physicality and what you need to be

a good rugby league player. Without Ben in the team, they lack that

somewhat, but when he is not there, other players have to learn to take

up that slack, and that is what Warrington have to do. They did that

in the second half. It is fair to say, you know, obviously sad to see

Matty Russell take a bad knock and everyone is hoping he is OK. He has

been such a fantastic player this year. Sad the see him go down.

Before we look ahead to Leeds against Catalan, the 2014 Super

League dream team was announced this week.

The Al English dream team features eight debutantes as well as Jamie

Peacock who makes a record extending tenth an appearance, having made his

Deb glue 2000. For the their time, the form team of the season sees

seven or more different clubs represented.

Wigan Warriors captain makes his fifth dream team appearance in a row

while Kevin Brown registering his and the club's first appearance.

Ryan Hall is including for his fourth selection and joins

debutantes Carl Ablett. Zak Hardaker and peacock in the team to make the

Rhinos the most represented club. What did you Mick of the dream team

this year? Everybody in the cream team has had fantastic season, goes

without saying, I think some real stand out players in there. Jamie

Peacock, a huge effort. Everybody in the game respects him for what he

has manage cod over this period of time in the game. Other people

Elliott Whitehead from Catalan, he is a tant stick player. He scored

some great tries and an exciter back rower to watch. From my side Tommy.

Pleased to see him many there. In terms of finishing ability there is

no-one better. He deserved his place. I am pleased to see him in.

Looking ahead to this game, we have the teams warping up. Elliott

Whitehead will be key for Catalan, he has come up with important tries

for them. Yes, it is normally Michael Oldfield on the left hand

side or attacking edge for Catalan, that I score a lot of points. The

other one who has come up with so many tries is Ben Morgan. Yes, the

try -- Morgan Escare. That is why this game tonight is interesting,

because we have Leeds, we have a very miserly defence and Catalan who

are free flowing and score points. It interesting to see who comes out

on top. Leeds are not in form. How much do you think the Challenge Cup

win could cost them? They looked tired coming into the play-offs.

From personal experience that means nothing. You know, we are two games

away from the Grand Final. Three big games left this year and Leeds are

capable of winning all the games left in this season. They can do

that, from a standing start. They don't need good form. That is a

fact. And that is the value of the players of Sinfield, Maguire and

Burrow. They are experienced, they allow Leeds to adapt to different

situations and win big games. That is why they continually win big

games and I think everybody is opt exciting to see how Leeds get on and

see how everybody else in the play-off really picks up the next

few weeks. And Catalan haven't travelled particularly well in the

past, but they did win when they were back on these shores last time.

How much confidence will that have given them? I think the two

different sides. At home, a very difficult side to play against. Away

from home, massively different they will acknowledge their away form has

been terrible, this year, in fact. They are a top four side at home and

a side that would finish out of the play-offs away from home. So to do

well, that have to play away from home to get to the grand final. So

they have got to buck the trend for what has been, you know, the sort of

the flow of their season, they have struggle and spluttered and not got

going away from home. They need to get a few consistent results in the

next few week. For our final game John is going to head up to the

commentary box where he will be alongside Dave Woods. Collapse have

never won at Headingley in nine previous attempt, but back in June

they came within a whisker of rewriting that record and they come

here in form and with confidence. -- Catalan. Leeds come into the

play-offs on the back of five league defeats in a row, they have reached

Grand Finals from fifth, they would have to do it from sixth this year.

Leeds have Joel Moon back. Rob Burrows starts for the first time

since the Challenge Cup final. Catalan feature a couple of the most

eye-catching players of the year. Morgan Escare has scored 27 Troyes

this term and Elliott Whitehead is the highest scoring forward.

Phil Bentham is the referee today. Leuluai. With his not inconsiderable

weight. Burrow at dummy half. Jones-Buchanan is out there on the

right. .s Leeds just beginning to build here.

Second set for Catalan to defend. Maguire. Sinfield is let on his

back, in back play and Joel Moon has knocked on. But the referee might

take it back. The touch judge is on as well. Having seen something late

on Kevin Sinfield. That is late on him lads. A late

tackle As a ball player you are not expecting to be hit to be fair.

Kevin ruled that challenge well. It has given his side a penalty.

Excellent position and a third set of six to have a go at this Catalan

defence. Peacock. They have dominated possession without having

a score to their name, but they have just put that right. Carl Ablett,

through that stretched Catalan defence, it was coming. The sheer

weight of pressure, and Leeds have the opening score.

Late challenge on Kevin Sinfield resulted in some possession, Leeds

finally managed to make it count. Great work from Carl Ablett and a

try. Great start for Leeds. This is

Whitehead. He waits patiently. Bosc again. Achurch. Catalan just

building a little pressure inside their opponent's half and Moon has

the support and it is going to be a finish. It is going to be a finish

from Williams. Catalan finally have worked their

way through this Leeds defence. And they have their response. Sam

Williams the scorer. Well deserved try from Catalan, Moon

with the break. Support from Sam Williams who has been a real asset

for this cat lap team. Great try. Created by aggression in the Leeds

defensive line from Jamie Jones-Buchanan. Williams like all

good halfbacks do, supporting and putting the ball down.

Catalan's away form has been terrible this year. They have lost

11 games. They have come close to big scalps. Here they were only

beaten by a late score. Sinfield with a kick. Again Duport bowling

him over. It is taken by Oldfield. And no action taken. Not in the

first instance but now the touch judge is on again here. Kevin

Sinfield is in the wars here. Kevin hit late. As he kicks the ball.

Duport hits him below the knee. After he has kicked the ball and

that is dangerous. That is a dangerous challenge from Duport.

Sinfield certainly felt it. And of course they have to give the penalty

where the ball finishes, and that is right in front of the sticks. Well,

Leeds have decided to kick for goal but Kevin Sinfield still a little

none plussed after that challenge from Duport. So Zak Hardaker sticks

it over and Leeds reestablish their lead. Eight points to six.

With half-time looming. Here comes Ablett.

Ablett. Peacock has left the ball on the

floor. Peacock running on to the ball at speed. Jamie Peacock would

be expect to take that. Thomas Bosc is recovered to feed the

ball into the scrum. It is a very decent position that Catalan find

themes in. But Escare has thrown it away, literally. Watkins kicks it

on, the chase is on, Duport is back there, Watkins will pick it up and

score. If it is given it's a gift.

But it has to be given. Because the referee has offered it up to the

video ref here to have a look at this, to decide whether it is a try

or not. Escare carried the ball. Lost it with no pressure on him.

Hacked forward by Briscoe, accidentally. A special piece of

play here, you feel from a special player for Leeds.

Speed, strength, awareness, he is not in touch and it doesn't look

like he is, an exceptional pack forward from Watkins.

I feel he is one of the best centres in the world, this is one of the

reasons why. Try is given! A gift for Leeds, at

the end of that first half. And they are going to go in at half-time, in

very good condition. Pelissier. Henderson, this is Bosc,

they have got some numbers here and suddenly a chance to fly through.

Pomeroy has thrown it away. The slip by Moon, otherwise Leeds would have

had the ball back again. Catalan still have an opportunity here,

Williams sees a bit of a gap in which to run. But he is going to be

dragged down. Here comes the last. This is Bosc. He will put the kick

high. Duport is going the lead the chase. Has he got it in? Well the

referee is going to have a look at this. Zeb Taia is convince head has

the try here. But what does the video referee say? Great kick from

Thomas Bosc. Pressure coming from the Leeds defence, but not enough.

Zeb Taia is such a big man, runs inside, Kallum Watkins. Ablett

trying to find some space. Duport jumps with him. Briscoe does his

best but not quite good enough. The ball carrying arm was intercepted

before the line. Having looked at it the video referee says it is a try

for Catalan. Zeb Taia the scorer, and it is game back on again.

Early in this second half. Worrying moments for Brian

McDermott, the Leeds coach. Henderson's off and running. William

wts a kick. Hall stayed back. Think Hall might have knocked it on here,

he has. Great Great pressure from Whitehead and Catalan they are the

more energetic side at the moment. Forcing the error from Ryan Hall. So

what an opportunity here for the Catalan drags. -- for the Catalan

Dragons. Zeb Taia takes it in. They have never led in this game so far,

Catalan. What a chance to turn that little record round. Bousquet. Leeds

working hard here, but it is hard labour. Henderson again, grabbed

round the ankles but he still manages to get it away to Mounis who

is searching for that corner. Back to Williams again. A short pass, it

has got a chance to put Louis Anderson, charging through, leaves

his defence ripped apart and Headingley is silenced. The Catalans

have the lead. Fantastic piece of play from

William, the halfback. Pass to Anderson and a great strong robust

runner of the ball to score the try. Williams shoved the ball, passed the

ball to Anderson, his footwork strength, what about that for

strength in a try? Catalan in the ascendancy. Certainly in terms of

what is happening on the score board at the moment. They are playing with

confidence here. Never won at Headingley, is that a

record that is about to be rewritten tonight? Escare has a chance to run.

First time tonight. How quick is he? Not enough. Hardaker with a fabulous

cover tackle and that is why one full-back is in the dream team and

the other one sussn't. Escare, sufficient porting the off load.

Looked to have the legs but absolutely copy book tackle from Zak

Hardaker. 13 minutes left to play. Nay find themes behind. Burrow out

to Delaney. Delaney smashing it into the face of Henderson. And the roar

goes up as Leeds look for a try to get themselves back in. It is

Maguire. It is call by Ryan Hall but he can't find the corner. Catalan

defenders desperately across, here is Maguire. Maguire is close. Handed

out to that left-hand side. Here is Sinfield now. Only dos away and

Jamie Jones-Buchanan scores the try. That brings it level again. Leeds

rejoice. They might just have found an escape here a kick to come, but

now it is all square once more. Leeds never say die attitude --

attitude in abundance, trying to find way through the Catalan defence

-- defence and they did in the end. Jamie Jones-Buchanan with a great

try. So nimble. Quick on his feet Maguire. He has done this his whole

career. Hardaker as well. It started with that Peacock off load and ended

with Sinfield's great try from Buchanan.

It is a moment on which seasons are resting. Leeds hack on, you fancy

they would win the game. Catalan find a way through. He is going to

go. Just a wall of... It will stop him getting anywhere near that

goalline. Again, slow. Eventually playing, Whitehead now,

spins it back, a bit scruffy. Henderson picks it up and tries to

dart. Leeds are too good to let him through on that occasion Pelissier,

Bosc.ed will's desperation is there again. They have survived five. How

about the last? Henderson, back it go, Williams kick, towards this left

hand side, the ball into the Leeds goal area. Hardaker will try to

escape it and does. What about that for full-back playing. Strength from

Hardaker. He knew where he was to get out of the field of play. They

have lost it! They have lost it and Catalan dive on it and they have

just won it. There are so many questions to answer here. Phil

Bentham inevitably has to go upstairs to the individual

catastrophe re-on this decision, the game and a season rests. -- the

video referee. Sinfield passed from dummy half. Is it a genuine error

from Briscoe, it appears to be, we are asking has Williams grounded the

ball. He certainly has. And you can't help but feel that is going to

be given as a try. This the decision. Headingley waits. Barely

breathing. It is a try for Catalan. And that might just be the match

winner. There will only be seconds for Leeds

to recover from this. Catalan with the score. Leeds look as though

their season is over, and it is the French side who are going through.

Extraordinary. Thomas Bosc taking his time here. But Leeds might get

something from the restart. Bosc has put it over. Yes he has, 20 points

to Leeds, 24 to Catalan. Is there time for one final dramatic twist

here. The coach looks cool enough. Catalan ready to receive the kick

off. The clock started again. Nine seconds to go. Sinfield puts it

high. This is it now. The ball is knocked backward, Briscoe picks it

up. The hooter sound in the background. The tackle is completed

and Catalan Dragons, with absolute delight. They have won, for the

first time in their history, at Headingley stadium. They are also

through to the next round of the play-offs. With a truly remarkable

performance, and Leeds are left to rue the mistakes that have cost them

dear. Congratulations, did you think the

game was gone? At the end, yes, it is tough to come back against Leeds,

in that type of game. I think, I think we have been lucky with the

last try, but, but for once, I take it. What you said to the players in

there? Not much. We weren't good enough. On the night. It wasn't

great, and we, we have been out of form for a while, come up with a few

losses and you know, we... We want it to be better tonight and it

wasn't. Catalans were dogged throughout. They move forward in the

play-offs and we don't. To beat Leeds here, how much confidence has

that given you all? Massive. The last few weeks we have kept growing,

today was another stepping stone and we know we have more to do. We need

to get back and train hard this week, but it an exciting feeling at

the moment. I am sure getting back to France there will be a buzz. Was

your heart in your mouth in the final minutes? Yes, yes, it is never

finished against Leeds. But today, we have done, done enough to win. We

have done a lot of, a lot of good things in a lot of area, to win

here, against a full strength side of Leeds, and I am very pleased and

very happy, and, I want the keep on dreaming.

-- to keep. We can see how much it means to the Catalan fans this win.

Yes, fantastic performance from them. Really exciting, exhilarating

end to the game. Leeds will be so disappointed with that, that the

season fers oud in the way it has. But for Catalan Dragons what a

finish. Huge opportunity in the play-offs now and a huge opportunity

to get to a big game, the Grand Final and exciting moment, and well

supported here by a small number of fans. Brian saying after the game

they simply weren't good enough on the night. There were a few

uncharacteristic errors for Leeds I think the game was punctuated by

eors from players who don't usually make those mistake, I thought Leeds

looked tired. Very rarely playing against Leeds, you feel as though

they retired or lacking energy, but they looked that way tonight, and I

think you have to credit Catalan with how they played. They

controlled the ball. I thought Williams kicked the ball very well.

Put Leeds under pressure with his kicking game. And they came out on

top and fair play to them and they will celebrate that win. We have

questioned how Catalan have been on the road. That is some win to do

here. How much confidence will that give them next week? A huge amount

of confidence. We are right, the stats support the Catalan are a poor

side the road, but tonight, it could be a change. It could be a change in

their form, away from home. It needs to be, because, that is a huge win

for their club. Not just tonight and in the context of this season, but I

believe in the context of their club, the history of rugby in the

south of France, that is a massive win, and you know, I am sure they

will be pleased with that. But they will have to do it again. They have

to be tough to get the Grand Final. Catalan are through to week two of

the play-offs and we will have the highlights from the two games next

week on BBC Two, 5.30, on Sunday evening. Castleford host Warrington

and Huddersfield will play Catalan. But the rugby league doesn't stop

with the play-offs because we turn our attention to the four nations,

we will have live coverage of England's matches plus highlight of

the others. It kicked off in October with England against Samoa. The kick

off is at 7.15 in the morning. So that is it for week one of the

play-offs, from John and from me. Goodbye.

'Down that slope, it comes, towards the hole.

'This putt for Europe to retain the Ryder Cup...'