Leeds Rhinos produce stunning second-half performance to defeat Widnes Vikings
Last Updated: 13/02/15 11:25pm
Leeds Rhinos cruised to a 38-6 victory over Widnes Vikings to end a run of four Super League matches without a win at Headingley Carnegie.
Adam Cuthbertson made it a home debut to remember by grabbing one of the Rhinos' six second-half tries as they scored 32 unanswered points.
It looked like being anything but a routine victory for Leeds after a forgettable first period which saw Zak Hardaker and Manase Manuokafoa trade tries.
But they were a different side after the interval and put Widnes to the sword, recording an 11th successive win over the Vikings courtesy of scores from Ryan Hall, Cuthbertson, Tom Briscoe, Danny McGuire, Kallum Watkins and Kevin Sinfield.
Both teams were content on completing their sets in the opening exchanges, with the first stoppage coming seven minutes in after Jamie Peacock forced an offload which Jamie Jones-Buchanan failed to gather.
That knock-on did not discourage Leeds from keeping the ball alive and they were rewarded for their ambition in the 16th minute when Briscoe collected Stevie Ward's grounded pass and broke the Vikings line before teeing up Hardarker.
The Rhinos' lead was short-lived though, as Manuokafoa powered over from close range for a try Jones-Buchanan and Hardaker will not want to watch again in a hurry.
Leeds came out after the break with a spring in their step and hit the front again when Hall powered over in the corner after the ball moved through the hands of McGuire, Carl Ablett and Joel Moon.
The Rhinos were well on top and extended their lead as Cuthbertson charged onto Paul Aiton's drop-off and through the tackle of Chris Clarkson on his way to the line.
Sinfield missed both conversions but it mattered little as the home side made sure of victory 12 minutes from time through Briscoe's thrilling 60-metre dash down the right wing.
McGuire soon got in on the act as he pounced on an error from Sinfield's towering kick before Watkins touched down after taking a pass from Briscoe.
The Leeds winger was again the provider for the final try of the night, captain Sinfield backing up his team-mate to put the gloss on a resounding victory.