Features

Favourites reach semi-finals

Author: John Harris
Date: 23/09/2009
Rugby League betting

The engage Super League play-offs kicked into action last weekend with holders Leeds Rhinos demolishing Hull KR 44-8 on Friday evening at Headingley.

Unfortunately, the clash was marred by an horrific injury to Hull KR's Chev Walker.

The former Leeds man fell awkwardly under a challenge with Keith Senior in the 11th minute and suffered a compound fracture of his left leg.

Lee Smith and Ali Lauitiiti both scored two tries apiece with Brent Webb, Senior, Ryan Hall and Jamie Peacock also going over for the sportsbook favourites. The visitors' solitary try came from Daniel Fitzhenry.

In a revamped play-off system, Leeds can now choose their semi-final opponents in a controversial 'club call' element as the Rhinos look for an unprecedented third successive title at Old Trafford on October 10.

Can Leeds Rhinos retain their crown? - Latest Rugby League Betting

Last season's losing finalists St Helens gained revenge over Huddersfield Giants for their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat earlier this term.

Tony Puletua, Leon Pryce and Francis Meli all crossed the whitewash for the Saints at the GPW Recruitment Stadium with a single Brett Hodgson penalty being the only score for the Yorkshire outfit.

Mick Potter's men are now just 80 minutes away from a fourth successive Grand Final appearance.

Wakefield Wildcats made a late fightback in their clash with Catalans Dragons at Belle Vue on Saturday night but their charge came too late in the day as they crashed 25-16.

Vincent Duport, Olivier Elima and Dimitri Pelo crossed for the visitors to help them to a healthy 16-2 interval lead.

When Pelo claimed his second soon after the restart and with influential scrum-half Thomas Bosc kicking three goals, Kevin Walters' men seemed well in control at 22-6.

The hosts rallied and when Luke George scored twice and Ryan Atkins also went over to reduce the deficit to just six points, a frantic finish looked on the cards.

However, Bosc knocked over a drop goal and a final penalty to put the tie beyond the resurgent Wildcats.

Wigan Warriors edged out Castleford at the DW Stadium on Sunday after they stormed into a 12-0 half-time lead.

Harrison Hansen opened the scoring before George Carmont went over with Pat Richards converting both tries as the Warriors extended their lead.

An early second-half penalty from Richards and a further try from Amos Roberts put the game beyond doubt.

Castleford replied too late with prop Craig Huby and Joe Westerman touching down and with the loose forward converting both to give the visitors some respectability in their defeat.

Wigan now face a trip to Hull KR in next Saturday's preliminary semi-final.

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