Rhinos run riot in capital
Leeds made sure they didn't suffer a third straight loss to Harlequins with a 48-14 triumph at the Twickenham Stoop.
Last Updated: 23/06/09 11:22am
Kevin Sinfield marked his 350th appearance for Leeds with a 20-point haul in a 48-14 rout of Harlequins at the Twickenhm Stoop.
The Rhinos' skipper scored his side's opening try and also slotted over eight goals to help the defending champions gain revenge for a shock home loss to the same opponents back in April.
A 21-4 success at Headingley was the beginning of a superb run of form for Quins but they found Leeds in no mood to suffer a repeat result.
Leeds had eight different try-scorers as they picked up the two points that closes the gap on leaders St Helens, who travel to Bradford on Sunday.
Slow start
There was no sign of what was to come when the visitors made a slow start to proceedings, including conceding the opening points when Chris Melling enjoyed an easy run-in at the right corner.
However, they quickly recovered from setback and led 20-8 at the break, ending any worries of a third straight loss to Quins.
Sinfield's 60th try for the club came when he got on the end of Danny McGuire's well-weighted grubber, and the provider turned scorer three minutes later when he galloped in under the posts.
Quins briefly threatened to make a game of it when Danny Orr's crossfield kick deflected off Will Sharp's hands to set up David Howell.
Leeds responded in fine style, though, with Jamie Jones-Buchanan crossing, while a Sinfield penalty right before the interval gave them a 12-point cushion.
Any hopes of a home comeback disappeared within two minutes of the re-start - Will Sharp shooting his side in the foot with a careless long pass straight into touch in his attempts to launch a counter-attacking move.
Senior burst
Scott Donald made the winger pay for his mistake by sliding over on the right before Keith Senior's burst set up full-back Brent Webb on the opposite wing.
Danny Buderus got in on the fun with his first try for the club from close range, while Leeds showed just how dangerous they are from deep when a break out of defence ended just seconds later with Lee Smith coasting over the line.
Sinfield slotted over both kicks to maintain his perfect day with the boot before heading off the field for a well-deserved break.
Quins did manage a consolation effort through Chad Randall, which Orr converted, but normal service was resumed with eight minutes to play.
It was left to winger Ryan Hall to round out the scoring with his 15th try of the campaign, the outstanding Rob Burrow unable to convert from the touchline.