Donald breaks Wakey hearts

Scott Donald's last gasp try gave Leeds Rhinos a 32-30 comeback win at Wakefield on Friday night to deny the Wildcats a first home win over the reigning champions in almost 17 years.

The Wildcats had not beaten their illustrious neighbours on home soil since a Stones Bitter Championship fixture in October 1992, but they led 30-28 with a minute remaining before Donald capped a late fightback to break Wakefield hearts and give his side a 15th straight win at Belle Vue.

The Rhinos had been reduced to 12 men when Brent Webb was sin-binned with 10 minutes remaining but they refused to surrender and ultimately outscored John Kear's side by six tries to four to underline their quality.

Tension

Wakefield, for whom scrum-half Danny Brough landed seven goals in an impressive display, fell behind in the sixth minute when stand-off Danny McGuire engineered space for Carl Ablett, who found the supporting Jamie Jones-Buchanan for the game's first try.

Kevin Sinfield added the extras but Leeds came under the cosh five minutes later when Ali Lauitiiti was placed on report following a challenge on Matt Petersen as tensions began to rise.

The hosts drew level on 21 minutes when Matt Blaymire grounded a kick from Sam Obst and Brough added the extras and then two more penalties to make it 10-6.

Keith Senior forced his way over for Leeds' second try on the half hour mark, but Obst crossed for his second converted try to take Wakefield into the break leading 12-10.

Heartbreak

Leeds hit back straight after the restart though when Senior and Ryan Hall combined to send Rob Burrow in at the corner. Sinfield added the conversion, but Brough responded with his fifth goal.

Brough's kicking was proving a real handful for the Leeds defence and it was no surprise to see Scott Grix collect his delightful chip through for yet another converted Wakefield try in the 52nd minute.

It got even better for the hosts when another high kick from Brough caused Hall to spill possession and Atkins grounded the loose ball. Brough added the extras but Leeds hit back in the 65th minute when Lauitiiti waltzed through for a converted score.

And, despite losing full-back Webb to the sin bin, Burrow struck for a converted try with two minutes remaining and Donald then dived over in the right corner to seal an unexpected victory.