Rhinos tower over Blackpool
Leeds ran in 12 tries to thrash part-timers Blackpool 70-22 and reach the quarter-finals of the Carnegie Challenge Cup
Last Updated: 07/05/10 11:00pm
Leeds booked their place in the last eight of the Carnegie Challenge Cup with a 70-22 rout of part-timers Blackpool at Headingley.
Brent Webb ran in five of the Rhinos' 12 tries as the Championship One side saw their 11-match winning run come to a shuddering halt.
To their credit the visitors only trailed 24-16 at the break, crossing the try-line three times themselves to raise hopes of a massive giantkilling.
However the hosts were in no mood to be on the wrong end of an upset, Michael Coady running in a second-half hat-trick to help pile on the points.
Despite being without seven first-teamers Leeds coach Brian McClennan was able to pick a strong line-up, including an earlier-than expected return to action for Greg Eastwood after a fractured wrist.
With Rob Burrow ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a knee injury, New Zealander Webb was selected at scrum-half
It didn't take the makeshift number seven long to make an impression in his temporary role, as he grabbed the game's opening try inside the first minute.
Ryan Hall then dashed 70 metres to get his 11th try in five matches, while Ali Lauitiiti crashed over in a fine start by the Rhinos.
Lively Panthers
However the Panthers proved lively in attack themselves, centre Martin Ainscough touching down himself before setting up hooker John Clough.
Full-back Damien Munro crossed for a third Blackpool try on the stroke of half-time, and with Tom Hemingway kicking a second conversion they only trailed by eight points at the end of the first 40 minutes.
Any giantkilling was quickly dismissed after the re-start with quick-fire tries from Webb, who completed his fifth hat-trick for the club in his traditional full-back role, and centre Brett Delaney.
Coady bagged a brace of tries in the space of three minutes, before Hall generously passed the ball on for Webb to get his fourth of the night.
Substitute Kris Ratcliffe at least got Blackpool on the board in the second half, though his effort only seemed to rouse Leeds.
As would be expected, they finished the game in total command. Coady completed his hat-trick, while Greg Eastwood side-stepped his way through to the line to get his first try for the club.
Fittingly Webb went over for the 12th and final home try, skipper Kevin Sinfield adding 11 of his 12 conversion attempts on a satisfying night for his side.
