Bradford Bulls 22, Leeds Rhinos 37
Danny McGuire's five-try haul gave Leeds the derby spoils at a sun-drenched Etihad Stadium to leave the Bulls with just one Magic Weekend victory in six attempts.
The mercurial playmaker grabbed a first-half-trick and struck twice in decisive fashion after the break as the Rhinos avenged their Good Friday defeat at Odsal.
An exhilarating opening 40 minutes saw McGuire put Leeds ahead inside the second minute but Elliott Whitehead touched down to level the scores and Ben Jeffries' try put Bradford 12-6 ahead.
Former Rhinos hooker Matt Diskin then grounded a loose ball to stretch the Bulls' lead but McGuire collected a forward-looking pass from Brent Webb to score his second and then powered clear after excellent work from Rob Burrow.
The scores were tied at 18-18 at half-time but McGuire was on hand to score again after the break, collecting a pass from Kevin Sinfield, who landed six conversions and a drop-goal, to scamper clear once more.
The Bulls, who lost influential prop Craig Kopczak to injury inside the opening minute and later saw Diskin replaced, fought gamely throughout and had an appeal for a try waved away by video referee Steve Ganson in the final quarter after Karl Pryce went over in the left corner.
Indeed, they battered the Rhinos' line for long periods of the second half but could not make it pay and were punished when Carl Ablett added another try for Leeds before McGuire grabbed his fifth.
Elliot Kear showed impressive strength to burrow over in the closing stages but it was too little too late.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel