Tryline Watch Along 10 - Bradford vs Leeds 2003 Challenge Cup Final

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The other week you may have seen our watchalong of the 2003 Challenge Cup Semi Final between Leeds and St Helens. Since the Final itself is on YouTube, it seemed only right to complete the story.

For Leeds, semi-final hero Danny McGuire was dropped, but there were no surprises in the Bradford line-up, who reached the final by beating Warrington.

 A Chaotic Opening

 Bradford thought that they had taken the lead within the first minute, but were denied by the video referee.
Minutes later, they did open the scoring, although Leeds questioned whether the final pass was forward.

Leeds Hit Back

The next two tries, sandwiched in between two penalties, went the way of Leeds to put them in a strong position approaching half time.
Another Swing!

 Bradford scored either side of half time to turn a 6 point deficit into a 6 point lead!
Controversy Reigns 

Throughout the match, there were a number of difficult decisions to be made. This was just one of them, Leeds were left furious having being denied either a penalty or penalty try, depending on who you ask!
Leeds compounded their problems by conceding a penalty, and Bradford stretched their lead.
Any way back?

The final looked to be slipping away from Leeds, but hope sprung eternal thanks to a Dave Furner try.
With just six minutes to go, Leeds had a penalty to level the match. They decided to roll the dice and go for the win. Bradford held them out and the gamble backfired.
Champagne Moment!

Bradford survived the final few minutes and claimed their second Challenge Cup in four seasons!
We hope you enjoyed our latest watchalong. If you want more, then head over to our archives! Next Saturday night, we'll be watching back a surprising result from the 2004 Super League play offs. 

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