Rugby League: Leeds find improbable win pipped by the post: Cook's fatal miss
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leeds. . .15
Wigan. . .16
LEEDS came within inches of snatching the Academy Cup in an exciting curtain-raiser at Old Trafford, writes Dave Hadfield. A penalty from Paul Cook in the dying minutes hit the upright, denying Leeds a victory which had seemed improbable when they trailed 10-0 early in the game.
As damaging to Leeds as the Wigan tries from Kris Radlinski and Simon Haughton was the loss of Graham Holroyd, their most experienced first-teamer, with a groin injury.
Despite that blow, they battled back through tries by Mick Shaw and Marvin Golden. A touchline kick from Cook put them level and a drop goal from the same player edged them ahead for the first time.
When Cook, another of the Leeds players with first team credentials controversially included in this Under-19 side, added a penalty, the Yorkshire men were set to receive their reward for their innovative apprenticeship scheme.
But Wigan's centre, Martin Hope, found a way through some hesitant tackling to put his side back into a single point lead.
As time ran out in a game which made up in tension what it lacked in technical perfection, Cook got his chance when Wigan were caught handling the ball offside.
But his kick from 30 yards and at an angle bounced clear off the post and Wigan hung on to win.
Leeds: Maher; Golden, Cummins, Cook, Gleadhill; Holroyd (Law, 12), Gibbons (Handley, 75); Pearson, Shaw, Fozzard (Wright h/t), Kennedy, Leatham (Hirst, 73), Vassilakopoulos.
Wigan: Craig; Radlinski, Hope, Stevens, Barrow; Long, Wilson; Riley, Canillon (D Smith, 10), Griffiths (Prest, 62), Knowles, Haughton, Hatton.
Referee: S Danson (St Helens).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments