Two professionals from the Furness area were head-to-head in one the most crucial matches in the Super League’s Magic Weekend, with Leeds Rhinos, including Brad Singleton, edging past London Broncos 24-22.

The two teams went into last Saturday’s clash at Anfield level on points in the bottom three of the table and it was Leeds who flew out of the traps through tries from Liam Sutcliffe and Ash Handley.

London, for whom Urswick’s Greg Richards was amongst the interchanges, hit back through Ryan Morgan and Jordan Abdull either side of a Jack Walker effort for the Rhinos, who led 24-10 after scores for Harry Newman and Richie Myler.

The Broncos then forced a thrilling finish after tries for Abdull and Alex Walker, but Barrow Island graduate Singleton was able to celebrate, as Leeds held on for what could prove to be a pivotal result in their season

Rhinos interim coach Richard Agar said: “The two points were an absolute must today.

“Kallum Watkins got the boys to one side last night to talk about the magnitude of the game aside from the coaching staff, which shows great leadership from him in what is a trying time for us.

“We hung on and we composed ourselves for that last four or five minutes.”

Staying in the battle against relegation, Barrovian Ryan Shaw kicked a late penalty to give Hull Kingston Rovers a vital 22-20 against Salford Red Devils last Sunday that moved them two points clear of London, who are now bottom.

Thanks to two tries from Ken Sio and another from Pauli Pauli, Salford hauled themselves level from 14-0 down to 20-20, but Shaw’s fifth successful kick of the match eventually proved decisive.

At the other end of the Super League, St Helens, with former Barrow Island forward Brad Knowles in their ranks, moved six points clear at the top of the table after easing to a 36-16 victory against Castleford Tigers.

Saints’ rivals, and defending champions, Wigan Warriors fell to a 26-14 defeat against Warrington Wolves. Former Barrow Raider Joe Bullock started the game.

Elsewhere, Askam’s Brad Walker was an interchange as Widnes Vikings were surprisingly defeated 18-12 at home by York City Knights in the Betfred Championship.