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Catalans made Leeds fight for final berth
Rugby League, 10:40, October 3, 2009 ,
Leeds Rhinos had to battle for their 27-20 win against Catalans Dragons which secured them a place in the Super League Grand Final.
In a tight opening Danny McGuire and Catalan's Vincent Duport traded scores, before Leeds stepped up a gear in a four-minute spell prior to half time as Ryan Hall went over twice and McGuire grabbed an excellent second try to put the hosts 22-4 ahead at the break.
The Headingley crowd were given some anxious moments in the second half when Catalans added three tries, with Dupont completing his hat-trick. However Scott Donald's try and a Kevin Sinfield drop-goal got the Rhinos through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford next weekend, where they will look to retain their title against either Wigan or St Helens.
Leeds coach Brian McClennan felt his side did not play to their strengths, but was pleased to progress against a Catalans side who were clearly out to show his side were wrong to pick them as their semi-final opponents using the 'ClubCall' selection process last Sunday.
He said: "That was a tough match. They were good and dominated for long periods.
"We hold our hands up and say we didn't go as well as we could have but we got the job done.
"It was a really good hit out, what we needed, now we're really excited about next week."