Sean Long tries to put a halt to Ali Lauitiiti's forward charge

St Helens (6) 10
Tries: Wellens
Goals: Long 3

Leeds (8) 14
Tries: Lauitiiti, Burgess
Goals: Sinfield 3

Leeds opened up a four-point gap at the top of the Super League table with a gritty victory over St Helens.

The Rhinos had to work hard in the mud and rain of Knowsley Road and sealed the win with tries in either half from Ali Lauitiiti and Luke Burgess.

Kevin Sinfield kicked three goals while Saints managed a try from Paul Wellens and three Sean Long goals.

The home side threw everything at Leeds in the final quarter but they managed to hold on for a well-deserved win.

In a repeat of last season's Grand Final, the Rhinos dominated early matters with Sinfield kicking over a ninth-minute penalty but they were dealt a double injury blow with both Danny McGuire and Jamie Jones-Buchanan forced off.

St Helens hit back with Long kicking two penalties to edge his side in front before the visitors went over for the only try of the first half on 28 minutes when second rower Lauitiiti forced his way over out wide and Sinfield converted.

The home side could have got back on level terms but Long missed two penalties and both Leon Pryce and Long were denied tries by the video referee.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Leeds's victory

Leeds thought they had extended their lead 90 seconds into the second half when winger Scott Donald got the touch to Rob Burrow's grubber kick to the corner but the try was also ruled out by the video referee.

Saints made the most of their let-off and their best move of the match allowed full-back Paul Wellens to slip through a gap to score.

Long missed the conversion while Sinfield also missed a 40-metre penalty which would have tied the game.

But with Sinfield leading by example, Leeds took control and they regained the lead on the hour when substitute prop Burgess forced his way over from close range and Sinfield kicked his third goal.

Saints continued to strive for victory but Leeds demonstrated their resolve with an immense defensive display to hold out for the points.

"If we play like that, we're going to be every bit contenders. I'm not concerned with our position on the table.

"I thought we were very good and dominated large parts of the game but we couldn't get a play at crucial times.

"We dropped our guard on two or three occasions and they scored two tries."

"It was very tough out there. They were very testing conditions and a lot of the players were shivering at half-time.

"We defended very well. St Helens have so many threats all over the field and it's nerve-wracking to watch them when they have the ball.

"We're very proud and it was great to get the win. Saints were very brave and showed they are a top club."

St Helens: Wellens, Gardner, Gidley, Talau, Meli, Pryce, Long, Hargreaves, Roby, Graham, Gilmour, Flannery, Bennett.
Replacements: Cayless, Wilkin, Clough, Fa'asavalu.

Leeds: Webb, Hall, Ellis, Senior, Donald, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Lauitiiti, Sinfield.
Replacements: Bailey, Scruton, Burgess, Worrall.

Referee: A Klein (London)