McClennan - Win was tough

McNamara feels Bulls deserved more

Last updated: 27th June 2009

McClennan - Win was tough

McClennan: Pleased to escape with two points

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Leeds coach Brian McClennan praised the way his Rhinos finished off a dangerous Bradford side in a Friday night Super League derby.

The Bulls came back from 16-2 down to lead at one point, but late tries from Rob Burrow and Scott Donald clinched the win for the reigning champions.

McClennan hailed the determination of the Bulls but was pleased with the way his side held their nerve in the closing quarter.

"We got off to a good start but then Bradford came back really well. They got a bit of ball and were very good with it, attacking our line," he said.

"They played well, it was a derby match and they really got up for it. We were really strong in the first 10 and to come back from that was good. I think Bradford did a pretty good job.

"But in the end we came away with a good win. I like the way we finished."

Effort

Bradford boss Steve McNamara was left rueing a disallowed Rikki Sheriffe try, as the winger went for the line late on but was adjudged to have been in touch before grounding the ball.

As the clash was not being shown on live television, the referee could not consult with a video official before making his decision.

"He was adamant he scored the try, his technique was great for it," McNamara said.

"That is an extremely tough decision but if there had been a video referee we'd have been a lot clearer. I am a massive fan of the video ref and I wish there had been one here tonight.

McNamara felt that his side could have won the game with a little help from a video referee and claimed that Leeds were flattered by the scoreline.

"We gave ourselves a bit of a mountain to climb but for large parts I thought we were the better side.

"It's a cruel sport. I don't think we got what we deserved tonight. There was some great effort from a lot of players but I am really disappointed we have not won."