Leeds Rhinos 17 Salford Red Devils 16 - Gale's drop goal wins thrilling Coral Challenge Cup final

Rhinos pipped Salford Red devils 17-16 in a thrilling, high quality final, played in front of an empty stadium.

Leeds led 6-0 and 12-6 at half-time, but went four points behind with 22 minutes left, but Ash Handley’s second try and Gale’s one-pointer brought the Cup back to Emerald Headingley for the 14th time.

Leeds did most of the pressing, but Salford’s strong defence - and some errors - meant they were never able to pull away.

Rhinos full-back Richie Myler won the Lance Todd trophy as man of the match.

Tom Briscoe opened the scoring after 11 minutes. A high shot by Lee Mossop on Matt Prior gave Rhinos a set in Salford’s 20. Rob Lui almost forced his way over, then Konrad Hurrell found Briscoe with a lovely offload and the winger touched down at the corner.

It took video referee Ben Thaler a while to confirm the on-field decision of try, then Rhyse Martin landed the extras via a post.

Leeds dominated the first quarter, but Salford levelled at the end of it with a spectacular score. Gale’s kick was taken almost on Salford’s line by Kallum Watkins, he offloaded to Niall Evalds who in turn got the ball away to Rhys Wiliams and the winger raced 80 metres for a touchdown with Inu improved.

Rhinos got over the line for a second time just before the half hour. Referee Liam Moore thought James Donaldson had scored, but Thaler ruled it out for a double-movement.

That came after Myler had snuffed out danger at the other end by collecting Evalds’ kick.

A couple of minutes later Leeds ran a powerplay and quick hands by Gale, Myler and Liam Sutcliffe worked the ball to Handley who crossed at the corner.

Martin booted a towering goal from the touchline.

Leeds led by six until the 53rd minute when Briscoe was judged to have knocked on a kick by Kevin Brown.

The winger went off hurt and in the subsequent set Pauli Pauli crashed over from Tui Lolohea’s pass.

There was no conversion, but Salford were in front with 22 minutes left when Lolohea’s kick deceived Myler, Luke Yates picked up and fed Joey Lussick and James Greenwood was in support to score. Inu converted to make it 16-12

Six minutes later Myler redeemed himself with a wonderful pass to put Handley over for his second try, which Martin could not improve, to leave the scores level.

Gale missed with a drop goal attempt and Williams dropped Watkins’ pass close to the line before Gale struck.

There was drama after that when a penalty took Salford close to Leeds’ line with two minutes left, but brilliant defence by Lui forced Inu to knock-on.

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins