Walmsley lauds ‘bloody outstanding’ Wakefield show

Wakefield Trinity kept their Betfred Super League play-off ambitions alive with a dramatic 15-14 win over Leeds Rhinos on Thursday; a drop goal from player of the match Mason Lino secured the win with three seconds remaining; Wakefield try-scorer Lachlan Walmsley was full of praise for his side's battling performance

By
Marc Bazeley
-
0
1001

LACHLAN Walmsley lauded Wakefield Trinity’s fighting spirit after they moved back into the Betfred Super League top six with a last-gasp 15-14 victory over Leeds Rhinos.

The West Yorkshire rivals were deadlock heading into the final knockings at the DIY Kitchens Stadium on Thursday night, with Brodie Croft seeing a drop goal effort sail narrowly wide for the visitors before Mason Lino struck the winning one-pointer with three seconds remaining.

Trinity’s 11th win of the campaign moved them back into the Super League play-off places ahead of seventh-placed Hull FC’s Round 20 clash with Huddersfield Giants on Saturday, and try-scorer Walmsley was full of praise for the battling display.

“That was outstanding,” Walmsley told BBC Five Live Sports Extra. “The boys dug deep and got it right at the end.

“To steal two points right at the end, we can’t be more happy than that.

“It was probably an outstanding game of footy to watch from the sidelines, and to be part of it.

“That was a bloody oustanding effort from the boys.”

Halfback Lino was named player of the match and his name was being chanted by Wakefield’s fans at the final hooter as the host stayed firmly in contention to make the play-offs in their first season back in the top flight.

The Samoa international admitted his drop goal was a somewhat scrambled attempt, however.

“To be honest, I probably didn’t strike it that well, but I had a bit of wind behind me,” Lino told BBC Five Live Sports Extra.

Walmsley’s ninth try of the season had helped Trinity an early six-point lead during a period when Leeds halfback Croft was in the sinbin for a high tackle.

The Scotland international went on to make 177 metres with an average gain of seven metres per carry, along with seven tackle busts and one clean break, although he played down his own score.

“I didn’t really have to do too much,” Walmsley said.

“The boys just put the ball in my hands and just had to finish that try.

“To take an early lead, that was what we needed, so I’m happy with that.”