A brilliant defensive display saw the Bulls withstand an intense 15-minute period of Leeds pressure in the closing stages to open up a two-point advantage at the top of Super League with a thrilling 18-16 victory.

In front of a Headingley record crowd of 23,035, Brian Noble's side emerged victorious by just two points - as they did in the Challenge Cup final in April - with tries from Rob Parker, Mike Forshaw and a stunning solo effort from Lesley Vainikolo.

The win extended the Bulls' fine run of results against Leeds and left Noble to proudly declare: "It was as good a defensive performance in this country as I have seen or been involved with.

"Look at the statistics and the amount of try-line defending that we had to do - and that's something that we had talked about. Stuart Reardon's tackle on Danny McGuire sparked us up and gave us a huge lift at half-time.

"If we were looking like we were out of petrol at the end, it was our fourth game in 12 days so the desire and effort was outstanding.

"We got down their end four times and scored twice and I think there is a message in there for us: Get down the other end of the field because we're not bad at that game as well." Noble was keen to heap praise on man-of-the-match Jamie Peacock, who broke from 30 metres out and then had the awareness to offload to Forshaw, who touched down for an outstanding try.

"Jamie Peacock, with his form this year - I just can't believe that people aren't raving about him. It's got me completely bamboozled because he's the best back row in the competition by a mile," added Noble.

Bulls have now won all three of their matches against Leeds this season, however Rhinos coach Daryl Powell insisted his side can still finish the regular season on top of the table, despite this latest derby defeat.

"We need to win at Odsal but there is still all to play for. This result changes nothing and whoever can maintain their form over the next six games will finish top," said Powell.