Magic: Leeds hold on to win relegation battle against London

Leeds clung on to secure a priceless two points with a 24-22 win over basement boys London Broncos.

Richie Myler’s try 10 minutes from time looked to have secured the win for the Rhinos at Anfield, but the Broncos mounted a late fightback.

Trailing 24-10, quickfire tries from Jordan Abdull and Alex Walker dragged London back within two as they eventually ran out of time.

Leeds made a solid start and led 10-0 after as many minutes, with tries from Liam Sutcliffe and Ash Handley.

Ryan Morgan pulled a try back after 25 minutes and the Rhinos took a 10-6 lead in to half time.

Full-back Jack Walker raced through a gap to restore a cushion for Leeds three minutes after the break.

But Abdull’s first try, reaching out for the line on 49 minutes, showed that the Broncos wouldn’t go away.

On 64 minutes, Harry Newman scored a crucial try, going over from the play the ball on the blind side, and Leeds followed that up four minutes later when Alex Sutcliffe was sent through a gap by brother Liam, his wild pass inside collected by Myler to give them breathing space at 24-10.

London recovered Abdull’s short kick-off, and they worked the ball towards the line, with Abdull touching down off Jay Pitts’ offload.

They backed that up with another try minutes later, a similar play this time resulting in Alex Walker going over.

Kieron Dixon goaled both and it was 24-22.

Leeds saw off the first wave of pressure, and a fine kick by Myler eased their stress and they eventually held out for a vital two points.

Leeds: Walker, T Briscoe, Newman, Watkins, Handley, L Sutcliffe, Myler, Seumanufagai, Dwyer, Singleton, Donaldson, Smith, Merrin. Subs: Parcell, Peteru, Oledzki, A Sutcliffe.

London: Walker, Dixon, Morgan, Kear, Williams, Abdull, Smith, Battye, Cunningham, Butler, Pitts, Lovell, Yates. Subs: Richards, Fozard, Adebiyi, Gee.