Handley too handy for Saints
ASH HANDLEY’S brace helped Leeds to a famous victory over St Helens.
Matt Parcell scored late on to stem hopes of a Saints comeback. They remain top after winning their first five games but their unbeaten run ended.
Handley struck twice in the final quarter, and when Saints had narrowed the gap via a Ben Barba try, Parcell twisted on a knife-edge to score to gave Leeds
ST HELENS RUGBY LEAGUE
breathing space at 28-20. Although Saints were largely dominant during the first half, it ended 12-12.
Leeds struck the opening blow when prop Anthony Mullally used his 6ft 5in frame to power through. Saints hit back when Barba collected a pass from Jonny Lomax to score.
Leeds lost Ashton Golding to concussion and, in the 29th minute, Danny Richardson and Tommy Makinson produced a delightful handling move which sent Saints winger Adam Swift over.
All three players were nurtured in the club’s vaunted academy but Leeds, similarly littered with homegrown talent, hit back. Joel Moon found Tom Briscoe and he sent scrum-half Richie Myler scampering clear.
In the second half Richardson and Kallum Watkins traded penalties before Handley struck with 19 minutes to go, touching down a kick from Myler.
Handley grounded a kick from Moon to put Leeds further ahead before Barba struck his second – only for Parcell to confirm the Rhinos’ stunning victory.