McGuire too hot for Bulls

A Danny McGuire hat-trick inspired defending Super League champions Leeds to a 26-12 derby victory over Bradford Bulls.

McGuire's three scores were typical of Rhinos' clinical finishing while the home side frequently failed to convert chances at Grattan Stadium.

The Bulls, who slipped to only their second defeat in eight matches, were forced to play with a makeshift half-back pair due to the absence of overseas duo Matt Orford and Brett Kearney.

Paul Sykes and Heath L'Estrange acquitted themselves well when standing in but Leeds came out on top as McGuire and skipper Kevin Sinfield gave them the edge.

Leeds were also forced into a reshuffle due to the loss of full-back Brent Webb through suspension, with Lee Smith stepping into the role.

Smith did not look convincing in his new position and his hesitancy led to the opening try as Elliot Whitehead took advantage of his failure to clear a grubber kick by stealing in to touch down.

Pressure

The Rhinos' continued to soak up the early pressure and Bulls centre Michael Platt ran in a second try after catching Paul Sykes' high kick before evading three defenders.

A third try seemed to be coming but winger Stuart Reardon dropped Steve Menzies' pass with the line at his mercy and then Leeds were grateful to second-rower Ian Kirke for a terrific try-saving tackle on Sykes.

The hosts were also denied a try by the video referee, who ruled that Chris Nero had pushed Scott Donald as he tried to clear Sykes' kick.

Leeds had fewer chances in the first of but made the most of the openings they did create, with McGuire at the forefront.

The 27-year-old finished off a break by returning winger Donald to score one try and collected a Sinfield kick on the run for a second.

Winger Ryan Hall then plucked the ball out of the air before sending veteran Keith Senior over for a third try to give the visitors a slightly fortunate 14-10 lead.

Errors

Bradford pulled two points back just before half-time with a penalty but a handling error by winger Rikki Sheriffe gifted Leeds the position to send Brett Delaney over for their fourth try.

Sherriffe dropped a Menzies pass to spurn another golden try-scoring opportunity for Bradford, although Leeds also missed a rare try-scoring opportunity when McGuire was adjudged to have lost control of the ball in scoring what would have been his hat-trick try.

The Rhinos half-back was not to be denied, however, and he duly grabbed his third try of the afternoon on the hour after taking a smart offload from Greg Eastwood and sprinting away from the covering defence.

Bradford did their hopes of a comeback no favours as they passed-up another glorious opportunity when captain Lynch dropping the ball short of the line

Smith was denied at the other end as Leeds maintained the advantage to secure the victory over their major rivals.