Wasps clinched four priceless points in their bid to haul themselves away from
the Zurich Premiership relegation zone but defeat was tough on fellow strugglers
Leeds.
The Tykes gave a spirited display and were more inventive in the first half,
creating several try-scoring opportunities which were only snuffed out by some
desperate Wasps defence.
Some pinpoint kicking from Springbok centre Braam Van Straaten, who accounted
for all his side's points, gave Leeds a 12-9 interval lead only for Wasps to
step up a gear after the half-time break.
Their extra power up front began to tell as they ran in tries through Mark
Lock and Craig Dowd (2), putting a dent in Leeds' hopes of maintaining their
fledgling top-flight status.
Leeds made a brisk start and their efforts were rewarded with a second-minute
penalty which Van Straaten stroked over.
But fly-half Alex King levelled matters shortly after with a three-pointer as
Wasps began to settle, finding gaps in the Tykes' defence and exploiting them
with some powerful running.
Van Straaten and King exchanged further penalties - Leeds' coming after
scrum-half Chris Kendra sent the former Springbok on a searing run - as the home
side started to create a momentum of their own.
Their attacking endeavour yielded another penalty but the boot of Van Straaten
was found wanting on this occasion.
But he made amends in the 22nd minute after Wasps' flanker Paul Volley was
penalised for pulling back the Leeds' cover with Dan Scarbrough screaming
through, nudging the Tykes into a 9-6 lead.
The home side then threatened to extend their lead when some quick hands
released Tom Palmer only for the second-rower to be hauled down inches short of
the line.
Wasps launched an attack of their own as the game stepped up a gear with
England international Simon Shaw going close before spilling the ball, letting
Leeds off the hook.
Van Straaten stroked over another three points but both teams were creating
chances which were halted by some last-ditch tackling.
King was successful with a drop-goal attempt moments later as the Tykes took
their narrow lead into the interval.
Wasps weathered an early storm after the break before striking back with a
sweeping move which was concluded by number eight Lock who touched down in the
corner.
King added the extras but Van Straaten reduced the deficit with his fifth
penalty.
The pendulum had firmly swung in Wasps' favour by now and in the 62nd minute
former All Black Dowd bundled over.
Another Van Straaten penalty narrowly Wasps' lead to 21-18 but it was not
enough, as Dowd crossed for his second try in the dying moments - a score
converted by King - to leave Leeds' survival hopes hanging by a thread.
Teams:
Leeds: Benson, Scarborough, Woof, van Straaten, Emmerson,
Bachop, Kendra, Shelley, Holt, Kerr, C. Murphy, Palmer, Hogg,
Hyde, Fea'unati.
Replacements: Davies for Benson (60), O'Reilly for Woof (60),
Hall for Emmerson (79), Jones for C. Murphy (60),
Mather for Hyde (80).
Not Used: Fullman, Luffman.
Pens: van Straaten 6.
Wasps: Lewsey, Roiser, Waters, Denney, Logan, A. King, Friday,
Dowd, Leota, W. Green, Shaw, Jones, Worsley, Volley, Lock.
Replacements: Wood for Friday (61).
Not Used: Leek, Abbott, Allen, Barratt, Beardshaw, Mackenzie.
Tries: Lock, Dowd 2.
Cons: A. King 2.
Pens: A. King 2.
Drop Goals: A. King.
Att: 5,166
Ref: Chris White (RFU).
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