Tryline Blog Watchalong 5

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This week's watchalong involved one of the greatest Challenge Cup Semi Finals in modern history. We looked back on Leeds vs St Helens from 2003.

This was the third consecutive year that the sides had faced each other at this stage of the competition, with St Helens winning the previous two. If you didn't follow along on our Twitter page last night, then fear not, the best bits are here!

A Good Start for St Helens
Despite falling behind earlier to a Sinfield penalty, St Helens got the game's first try:
And they could have got the second, but were denied by a forward pass decision. The game may have been 17 years ago, but Paul Sculthorpe certainly didn't agree with the decision!

The Leeds Response
The Leeds response was swift, scoring three quick tries to take control of the game!



But St Helens got a crucial score just before half time to reduce the deficit to six points:

Another St Helens Onslaught!
St Helens started the second half just as they did the first and regained the lead.

The rest of the second half remained tight, but the tie looked settled when St Helens scored again, just four minutes from time!

A Sting in the Tail
Leeds would get just one more chance to send the game to extra time, and 18-year old Danny McGuire took it!
Extra Time
St Helens were so close to making the perfect start to extra time, but were denied by the video referee.
With no score in extra time, as the second ticked down to half time, Sinfield decided to edge Leeds ahead!

St Helens pushed, but the substitute Danny McGuire settled the encounter after 98 minutes of magnificent action!

Take a Breath..
You could tell just by watching that one how intense the game was! The final took place two weeks later, with Bradford Bulls edging out Leeds by 22 points to 20.

 We will be looking back at another game next Saturday night at 7:45PM on our Twitter, and every week until the live action returns!

 We're sticking with the Challenge Cup next week, but we'll be looking back at a final. Not just any final. One of the greatest shocks in the history of the competition. Any ideas which one we're talking about?

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