Two-try Walker strolls in for Leeds

Warrington 22 - 32 Leeds

Injuries and a loss of form have checked the progress of Chev Walker in the past couple of seasons but a two-try display of great authority here yesterday underlined the huge potential of the young Leeds centre.

Walker, deputising for Chris McKenna, grabbed his chance and his second touchdown 10 minutes from time must be a contender for try of the season.

Walker and his 22-year-old captain Kevin Sinfield, who grows in stature every game, took the honours in an important win for Leeds against a home side now much more formidable opponents under their new coach Paul Cullen.

Unfortunately for Wolves Nick Fozzard took that new-found spirit too far when he was dismissed for an apparent head-butt on Barrie McDermott five minutes before the break. His team-mates stuck to their task bravely to score 14 points with 12 men but it was the quality of the Leeds backs in seizing on errors that proved decisive.

Fozzard's red card came on the intervention of a touch judge and Cullen said: "Only one man saw what happened and it was his word that got him sent off. It was a tough call when two props are fighting away from the play and only one man gets sent off.

"But the quality of tries we scored with 12 men gives me great hope. The game turned on two knock-ons but we matched them blow for blow."

The Leeds coach Daryl Powell responded: "Coming to Wilderspool and getting two points you are generally happy, and I am glad I'm not coming here again."

Warrington led early via a Sid Domic try but Leeds replied when Walker's reverse pass found the winger Mark Calderwood. David Furner's conversion and a penalty took the Rhinos clear and Gary Connolly caught Wolves napping to score from acting half-back. The Australian back row Matt Adamson then burst on to a Sinfield pass for Leeds' third try and after Fozzard and McDermott the visitors turned round 20-8 ahead.

The 12 Wolves outscored Leeds after the break, though Graham Appo's brace was never going to be enough with two tries in four minutes from Keith Senior and Walker.

Walker crowned his day when Rob Burrow broke clear and handed on to Sinfield who provided a pinpoint kick for the centre to charge over.

Warrington Wolves: Appo; Grose, Sibbit, Westwood, Gaskell; Briers, N Wood; Fozzard, Clarke, Hilton, Burns, Wainwright, Domic. Subs: Gleeson, Noone, Guisset, P Wood.

Leeds Rhinos: Connolly; Calderwood, Walker, Senior, Cummins; Dunemann, Burrow; Bailey, Diskin, McDonald, Furner, Adamson, Sinfield. Subs: Jones-Buchanan, Poching, McDermott, Feather.

Referee: S Ganson (St Helens).