First v second was an eagerly awaited clash by two teams on different trajectories. Leeds have rarely been tested in 2023 and London Roosters have been an a great run of victories over Halifax and Wigan, twice.

Leeds were shorn of Coach and captain who were being applauded on Centre Court and it was going to be a new experience for Leeds. Nevertheless, they opened the scoring when Ewan Clibbens chased a Nathan Collins kick and won the race to the touchdown. Collins goaled.

London are made of stern stuff and played a physical game, taking on Leeds in the middle and gaining the upper hand.

Lewis King got London on the board, converted by Joe Coyd and setting a period of dominance. Scott Trigg-Turner hit the line hard and came out the other side, racing under posts unopposed. This feat was repeated by Joe Coyd 5 minutes later. 5 minutes after that, a kick from Coyd was allowed to bounce and was collected by Jason Owen who went over under the posts. All three London tries were converted by Coyd.

Leeds pulled one back, retaining a foothold and the game as they battled on. A double tagging penalty against Leeds opened up a 26-12 lead to the visitors at half time.
Leeds piled on the pressure in the early part of the second half as they fought hard to get back in, only for Coyd to break through the middle and deliver a great pass to the supporting Trigg-Turner who went over in the corner. Coyd missed the conversion.

Would the penalty be important?

Leeds showed their class and refused to roll over. Nathan Collins put on a masterclass on how to play the game, attack, defend and kick as he single handedly pulled Leeds back into contention. His second try was incredible, chipping over, regathering and scoring in the corner, tacking on the extras from touch. His third, in then other corner, was just as special and he added the extra points to equal the game at 30-30 with less than three minutes to go.

A great kick from Coyd hit the post protectors and Coyd and King working together forced a goal line drop out. Owen plucked the ball out of the air and set up London for a last chance at seizing a victory. Pushing hard, Coyd broke down the left and crossed the line. His try and conversion silenced the vocal crowd as London snatched a victory in a classic

Head Coach Tom Coyd said ‘Wow, what a game. We have been working up to this and have now beaten the big three in our last four games. We are playing well but have a load more improvement in us yet. Each one of our players made a big contribution and I was able to make changes and keep the team fresh. Lewis King and Joe Coyd were immense and made the difference in the end’

“I have to pay tribute to Nathan Collins who was unbelievable, leading his team, playing tough and keeping Leeds in it to the end. This was a great advert for our sport and was part of a great day at The Edge, a great event put on by the Rhinos Foundation