Leeds Rhinos 24 Warrington Wolves 22, Guardian verdict

Despite a visible increase in effort levels and togetherness, despite a vastly improved display and despite having created enough chances to have put several games to bed, The Wire fell to an eighth consecutive defeat and that left a sour taste on the day.

Stefan Ratchford's try gave Warrington Wolves hope in the second half (Image: PA Wire)

Matt Dufty, in the final seconds, and Danny Walker both dropped the ball with the try-line begging, Josh Thewlis had a score ruled out for putting a foot in touch, George Williams crossed the line but it did not count because of a Ben Currie obstruction.

Josh Thewlis so close to doubling Warrington Wolves' early advantage but his trailing foot clipped the touchline and his try was chalked off (Image: SWpix.com)

What looked to be a try-scoring pass from Dufty was intercepted, Currie regathered a Williams chip kick over the try line but could not plant the ball before his momentum carried him out of play, while the outstanding Paul Vaughan, twice, Currie, Peter Mata'utia, Daryl Clark, James Harrison and Matty Ashton were stopped inches short of the try line or held up over the whitewash at various points.

Matty Ashton hares home for his first-half try at Headingley (Image: SWpix.com)

Leeds’ chances were thin on the ground in comparison, which is credit to The Wire’s domination of the territory through their metre gains and strong tactical kicking courtesy of George Williams and Josh Drinkwater, so it was the home side’s desperate goal-line defence, comparatively clinical finishing power and Rhyse Martin's 100 per cent goal-kicking success rate that ensured they ended their own sequence of defeats going back three matches.

Paul Vaughan and Ben Currie acknowledge some good work (Image: PA Wire)

Having the ‘Bruise Brothers’ Vaughan and Tom Mikaele back as the starting front row for the first time since the table-topping form of early season seemed to bring the best out of them and fellow middle men – with Jordan Crowther and Joe Philbin catching the eye.

Tom Mikaele on the warpath for Warrington Wolves (Image: PA Wire)

Matty Nicholson saw more of the ball than of late and constantly looked a threat, as did Dufty as he roamed around the ruck areas trying to capitalise on offloads.

Matt Dufty causing carnage in the Leeds Rhinos defence at Headingley (Image: SWpix.com)

Ashton and Peter Mata’utia ran strongly to get their side on the front foot, with the former’s try off a Dufty break on a kick return being the most attractive try of the day.

Such a performance on other occasions this year would have brought them some better results.

All that graft but no points to show for it (Image: SWpix.com)