Whitehaven were beaten 30-22 at home by a young Leeds side in their final warm-up ahead of the new season.

The Rhinos didn’t send their stars to play but they were there as part of the PRO involved and left the on-field task to some of the young men who will undoubtedly be taking their places in years to come.

The big names in the Rhinos ranks took time to meet the home fans and sign autographs as the 2,250 spectators enjoyed the occasion, even if they didn’t get to see the top men in action.

There was a welcome Recreation Ground return or prop Kyle Amor, the former Whitehaven forward who has joined the Super League club for 2010.

His dual registration means he will be able to play for Whitehaven when not required by the Rhinos but there are clear signs he will soon become a key figure at Headingley.

The likes, too, of hooker Paul McShane, centre Michael Coady and fellow centre Kallum Watkins will also be challenging for Super League places before long.

An exciting and entertaining game could have gone either way before a converted try 11 minutes from the end gave Leeds a two-score cushion which they held onto.

Whitehaven had started well and in the first quarter scored two converted tries to enjoy the 12-0 advantage.

Carl Rudd stretched out near the line to get the opener after seven minutes and on 20 minutes Rob Jackson eased through a gap to score the first of his two tries. Both were converted by Rudd.

By half-time, though, the young Rhinos had halved the lead as Amor and fellow prop Luke Burgess started to make inroads effectively.

Hooker McShane burrowed over after some strong pressure on the Whitehaven line and his conversion five minutes before the break made for a change to Ged Stokes’ interval pep talk.

But it was Leeds who started the second-half in strong fashion and within two minutes they were level.

Amor charged in close to the line and then the impressive McShane lifted a perfect kick over the defence for Coady to collect and fall over the line for the try which McShane converted.

Whitehaven responded well, though and they went back in front on 47 minutes.

Matt Tunstall found Jackson in space and as the ball continued to be shipped wide Craig Calvert latched onto the well-timed final pass to race clear and go in by the corner unchallenged. Rudd converted.

The game continued to see-saw as Leeds came back with Burgess bringing them level again on 53 minutes. The young prop barged over and McShane’s third successful kick pulled the teams level again.

Then it was Whitehaven who edged back in front. Good work by Dylan Skee found Jackson who just had enough room to hold-off two challenges and put the ball down for his second try. Rudd’s conversion attempt was the first of the game to go astray.

Whitehaven enjoyed a good spell of pressure and were close to extending heir lead but some careless work deep in Leeds territory saw Coady gather and race away. He had support but didn’t need it as he went 80 yards for the try which McShane goaled.

Whitehaven seemed to be tiring now and Leeds, ahead for he first time in the game, went for the jugular. On 69 minutes second row forward Ian Kirke crashed over from close range and McShane completed a 100% haul with his fifth successful conversion.

 Naturally on getnoticedonline.co.uk we provide you with the tries, courtesy of MAL WALKER. We pride ourselves that the best action shots - league and union - are virtually always on this site.

At the Recreation Ground Mal was on hand to capture, in descending order, Carl Rudd, Rob Jackson, Craig Calvert and Jackson again, touching down against Leeds.

Mal's prints can can be bought at £25 for an A4 framed and £40 for an A3 framed. Prints only are £10 A4 and £15 A3. 

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