Sinfield inspires slender win

Kevin Sinfield's kicking proved the difference as Leeds ground down Melbourne to win a tense World Club Challenge match 11-4.

Both sides managed a try apiece but Sinfield's seven points gave the Super League champions a decisive edge at a wet and windy Elland Road.

Ryan Hoffman gave Australian premiers Melbourne an early advantage but Scott Donald replied before the break to give the Rhinos a lead they never lost.

Leeds demonstrated their resolve in the early stages by bringing down the dangerous Israel Folau and veteran Matt Geyer inches short of the tryline.

They went in front courtesy of Sinfield's first penalty goal, awarded after Melbourne full-back Billy Slater passed off the ground in front of his own posts.

Melbourne's acting captain Cooper Cronk, who was at the heart of virtually every attacking move, was responsible for the breakthrough with a pinpoint pass to second rower Ryan Hoffman in the 15th minute.

Leeds winger Lee Smith, sniffing a potential interception, came out of the defensive line and Hoffman went in for his side's only try.

Leeds' perseverance paid off just before half-time, however, when full-back Brent Webb's cut-out pass found Scott Donald unmarked on the left wing and video referee Phil Bentham awarded the try after dismissing the hint of an obstruction.

Sinfield's touchline conversion gave his side a four-point lead and it extended that with a second penalty on 62 minutes after Rob Burrow had been the victim of a late shoulder charge by Jeff Lima. The Leeds skipper maintained his composure after complaining to the referee about being dazzled by a laser beam from the crowd.

The Rhinos, who finished the match without a specialist centre, had a try from substitute Carl Ablett disallowed by the video referee for a knock-on and scrambled superbly to deny Melbourne winger Anthony Quinn after a rare raid on their line.