Warrington edge Leeds 14-12 to reach first Grand Final in eight years
Warrington Wolves are through to the Super League Grand Final after a nerve-shredding 14-12 win over Leeds Rhinos at AMT Headingley Stadium.
It is their first Grand Final in eight years. One more win at Old Trafford would give them a first league title since 1955, according to BBC.
The semi-final was level at 12-12 at half-time. Both sides had scored two tries apiece in a fast, physical first half.
In rugby league, a try — touching the ball down over the try-line — is worth four points. A kick at goal after a try or from a penalty is worth two.
Leeds scored through Ryan Hall and Jake Connor, with Connor adding both goals. Warrington replied through James Bentley and Luke Yates, with 18-year-old Ewan Irwin kicking two goals before the break.
Hall's try was a landmark. It was the 358th of his career, drawing him level with Neil Fox in the all-time scorers list.
The second half brought just one score. Irwin, already nominated for the Super League Young Player award, held his nerve to kick the decisive penalty that put Warrington ahead.
Leeds had one last chance. With the final play, Connor lined up a 62-metre kick at goal. It fell short. The whistle went. Warrington's players celebrated.
Leeds came into the tie as second-placed finishers, but they were stretched thin. They were already without Maika Sivo, Ash Handley and Lachie Miller for the semi-final.
There was more disruption before kick-off. Chris Hankinson pulled up in the warm-up and withdrew, with Ned McCormack replacing him. Referee Chris Kendall oversaw a contest that stayed on a knife-edge to the end.
Warrington had earned their trip to Headingley the hard way. They beat Hull KR 35-12 in the eliminator, with Matty Ashton scoring a hat-trick, to set up the semi-final against Leeds, as reported by Sky Sports.
What makes this stand out is the cool head at its centre. An 18-year-old kicking the winner in a semi-final away from home takes courage. For fans, this means a fresh Grand Final story — and the end of a long wait for Warrington.
Warrington will now face the winners of Wigan Warriors or Wakefield Trinity in the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.
