| NFL's trench warfare getting caught on mikes Moving NFL umpires from the defensive side of the ball to the offensive side is mainly meant to help keep them safe. But the move also helps ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |
Leeds 6-26 Wigan Leeds 6-26 WiganThis was a messy old way to reach a Grand Final, but Wigan will not be remotely bothered. They had fallen 80 minutes short of Old Trafford in each of the last three seasons, twice with defeat here at Headingley, but defended magnificently to ensure that three scrappy tries either side of half-time were enough to end Leeds's three-year hold on the Super League trophy.Even better for them, their first appearance in the decider since 2003 will be against St Helens, a first all-Lancastrian Grand Final since the old rivals last contested the title exactly a decade ago. "It's still the biggest derby, no matter what the Yorkshire people say over here," said Sam Tomkins, the yellow-booted full-back who was again a dazzling exception to the unflashy rule of this Wigan performance."We threw the kitchen sink at them, but you've got to credit Wigan's defence – jeez they scrambled well," said the Leeds coach Brian McClennan, who was left to reflect on what might have been without the season-ending knee injuries suffered by Jamie Peacock and Danny McGuire in the last six weeks.Wigan were pinned deep inside their own territory for long periods, especially in the second half. But with more than 3,000 of their own supporters packed on the terraces behind them, they defended their line with ferocity, organisation and, when required, desperation, to prevent Leeds adding to the single, highly questionable try Kevin Sinfield had scored in the 18th minute. That is the sort of stubborn resistance they will need to deny the St Helens captain Keiron Cunningham a fairytale finish to his career in Manchester next Saturday night.They had to overcome the shock of conceding Sinfield's try, a splendid finish by the Leeds captain that seemed to follow an illegal ball steal by Danny Buderus, which gave the Rhinos a 6-2 lead they still held in the closing stages of the first half.But then an accurate high kick from Thomas Leuluai forced an error from Ryan Hall and a rare attacking chance, from which the Tomkins brothers Sam and Joel combined for Darrell Goulding to dart over on the right. Pat Richards converted to put the Warriors 8-6 ahead.Six minutes into the second half, they had extended that lead to an imposing 14 points. The second try came only 56 seconds after the restart after the other Leeds wing Scott Donald mistimed his attempt to catch another accurate high kick, this time from Paul Deacon. Joel Tomkins juggled the loose ball to make the score look even less attractive, but the video official could find nothing wrong with it.It was a similar story five minutes later, as Wigan's Leeds-born substitute Michael McIlorum lost the ball in a tackle near the Rhinos line. It didn't look like a try at first glance when George Carmont toed the ball ahead and touched it down, but on closer inspection it was fair enough. That summed up what for Wigan was nonetheless a memorable night, rounded off when Martin Gleeson touched down on the right.Super LeagueWigan WarriorsLeeds RhinosRugby leagueAndy Wilsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Urban loft-style gym to open downtown Personal trainer Danielle Korb is opening an urban loft-style gym on downtown’s Seventh Street next week. feeds.bizjournals.com |
Women convicted of extorting Pitino asks to delay sentencing The woman convicted of extorting University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino is asking to delay her sentencing hearing. Karen Sypher's ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |
NFL stresses illegal hit penalties in new video By BARRY WILNER 2010-10-22T04:06:29ZNEW YORK (AP) -- The NFL delivered its message about heavier punishment for illegal hits, including suspensions, directly to the 32 teams Thursday with a video spelling out what to avoid.... hosted.ap.org |