Crusaders shock Rhinos

Weller Hauraki and Vince Mellars both scored a brace of tries as Crusaders pulled off a famous 32-26 victory over reigning Super League champions Leeds.

Sub Adam Peek also touched down as the Welsh side ran in five tries to their hosts' four to end the Rhinos' seven-match winning run.

Ryan Hall had given Leeds an early lead, with other tries from Lee Smith, Scott Donald and Brett Delaney, whose try in the 76th minute which Kevin Sinfield converted tied the scores on 26-26.

But the drama was not over and two minutes later Mellars was able to weave his way over for the decisive score and arguably his club's finest hour.

Brian Noble's side went into the game on the back of a victory over his old club Bradford last weekend, the second time they have beaten the Bulls this season.

Collective spirit

And the side showed their collective spirit in this victory to push themselves into contention for an Engage Super League play-off berth.

But it looked like a rout could be on the cards when the Rhinos led inside the third minute after Hall's pace and strength took him over in the left corner.

But Crusaders held firm and soon began to fashion a series of decent openings, carving out a brilliant try which levelled the scores in the 27th minute.

Hooker Lincoln Withers' neat short offload found scrum-half Rhys Hanbury and he showed impressive pace to glide past two Leeds players and send Mellars over the line with a perfect inside pass.

Clinton Schifcofske added the extras for the first of his six goals to tie the scores and six minutes later the visitors struck again after another period of sustained pressure on the Leeds line.

A simple short offload from Lloyd White sent fellow replacement Peek crashing over from close range and Schifcofske kicked the conversion.

Restart

Sinfield kicked a penalty on the stroke of half-time to cut Crusaders' lead to four points, but six minutes after the restart Jordan James' neat offload sent Hauraki bustling over.

Schifcofske landed his third goal but Leeds responded in style as Smith showed real desire to force his way over in the right corner and then Danny McGuire orchestrated a fine move which culminated in Donald going over in the same spot.

Sinfield, who ended the match with five goals, converted both tries to edge Leeds 20-18 ahead but the loss of prop Kylie Leuluai to injury was a blow to the home side.

And a penalty from Schifcofske drew Crusaders level before Hauraki took a pass from Mark Bryant and sauntered over the line.

Delaney then found the space to cross the line for a converted try to tie the scores, but Mellars had the last word as Crusaders savoured a memorable win.