Harlequins (4) 26 Tries: Clubb, Orr 2 Paul 2 Goals: Paul 3
Leeds (18) 36 Tries: Jones-Bishop, McGuire 3, Donald, Peacock Goals: Sinfield 6
McGuire completed his hat-trick in the last minute
|
A Danny McGuire hat-trick ended a second-half resurgence from Harlequins as Leeds booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.
The Super League leaders dominated the first half with tries from Ben Jones-Bishop, McGuire and Scott Donald, with Tony Clubb going over for Quins.
Another McGuire try after the interval sparked a Quins revival, with two tries each from Henry Paul and Danny Orr.
But Jamie Peacock hit back for Leeds before McGuire completed his hat-trick.
Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield was in fine kicking touch, adding six goals while opposite number Paul kicked over three.
Quins had looked in sensational touch mid-way through the second half when they scored 22 unanswered points in 18 minutes.
But Peacock's try steadied Leeds' nerves while McGuire touched down for a memorable treble in the last seconds of the match.
Harlequins coach Brian McDermott:
"There's a lot to take out of this game but I'm disappointed.
"Our leaders were outstanding. Danny Orr was fantastic as was the entire back row of Joe Mbu, Mike Worrincy and Tony Clubb - who are all from London.
"We were tough in the second half and awesome at times. Leeds didn't ease off the gas - we were just that good."
Leeds coach Brian McClennan: "It was a very close, tough game. Quins played really well and we're ecstatic we're in the next round.
"I was always confident we would come back as we're able to score a try out of nothing with the speed we have.
"In the second half we didn't have a lot of possession and it was a case of all hands on deck. We hung in and two moments of magic have done it for us."
|
Bookmark with:
What are these?