Wakefield Trinity Reserves 28 - Leeds Rhinos Reserves 14

Chev Walker’s Leeds Rhinos Reserves fell short in their bid to end a difficult run of results, going down 28-14 away to Wakefield Trinity. Leeds arrived at Belle Vue having lost two of their previous three fixtures, while Wakefield came into the match on the back of just one win in four, including successive defeats to Wigan — but it was the home side who found a way to close out the contest.

Leeds made the perfect start when Wakefield were caught out attempting to play around the outside of the visitors’ defensive line, spilling the ball in the process. Leeds pounced on the opportunity, with centre Jacob Tooala stretching over in the corner to open the scoring despite being tackled close to the line.

The visitors continued to apply pressure, forcing Wakefield into touch from a last-tackle kick, before doubling their advantage soon after. Leeds worked the ball left to winger Callum Webster, who found space out wide to finish in the corner. Both conversions went unconverted, but Leeds had built an 8-0 lead and were beginning to dictate the contest.

A knock-on temporarily halted their momentum, though a resolute Leeds defence kept Wakefield pinned in the middle of the field, Wakefield kick on the last sailing dead.

Wakefield finally found their way into the game when they created an overlap down the left edge just inside Leeds’ half, releasing winger James Evans into open space to score. Max Jowitt’s conversion brought the hosts to within two, making it 8-6.

Leeds responded by forcing the Wakefield winger into touch as the home side searched for a route back into the match, and survived further pressure soon after — a driving Wakefield attack was repelled, with a dangerous grubber into the corner well read by full-back Fergus McCormack to deny what looked a certain try. Leeds’ defence held firm to take the 8-6 lead into the break.

Leeds began the second period brightly, forcing an error inside Wakefield’s opening set, only to spill possession themselves on the very next tackle. Wakefield were similarly loose in possession, coughing the ball up two tackles later, before finally making the breakthrough — a well-placed grubber kick was not dealt with by the Leeds defence, allowing the Wakefield full-back to touch down and edge the home side in front.

Leeds hit back immediately, forcing an error to earn a scrum ten metres from the Wakefield line, and came close to responding through Lumb, who was forced into touch as he chased the corner.

Wakefield took the lead for the first time in the match midway through the half, shifting the ball left to send centre Kian McGann over from close range. Jowitt’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the hosts had edged ahead at 16-14.

Jowitt then turned provider, breaking down the right edge before offloading out of the tackle to find centre Dom Sinfield, who crossed untouched to extend Wakefield’s advantage. Jowitt’s conversion — helped in off the post — pushed the lead further clear.

With the clock running down, Wakefield struck again down the left edge, James Evans grabbing his second try of the afternoon in the corner. Jowitt added the extras to seal a 28-14 victory for the home side as full-time approached.

Leeds Rhinos Reserves return to action next Thursday, hosting Hull FC at Headingley, with plenty for Chev Walker’s side to work on ahead of the fixture

Wakefield Trinity Reserves

1       1. Robbie Brook 2. James Evans 3. Max Jowitt 4. Dom Sinfield 5. Harry Ratcliff 6. Kian McGann 7. Mylar Lawford 8. Noah High 9. Will Rolls 10. Jordan Williams 11. Zack Clegg 12. Corey Abraham 13. Charlie Abraham 14. Alfie Briggs 15. Mason Bowes 16. Ellis Longard 17. Ashton Winks 18^th Man. Ewan Molyneux

Leeds Rhinos Reserves

1      1. Fergus McCormack 2. Callum Webster 3. Jacob Tooala 4. Harley Thomas 5. Riley Lumb 6. Dylan Hutchinson 7. Harry Smith 8. Joe Butterfield 9. Elliott Fox 10. Jeremiah Mata’utia 11. Oliver Smart 12. Jacob Stead 13. Tom Nicholson-Watton 14. Harvey Butterworth 15. James Moss 16. Isaac Coleman 17. Junior Rowse 18^th Man Wade White