bloodbath's findings:

Good first half from Leeds. Played some lovely stuff through the hands on a much narrowed and in context well conditioned Headingley pitch.

The forwards took the ball up well and Leeds were quick to get the ball out wide to both sides, with lots of runners, decoy runners and options.

players that stood out:

Burgess - excellent first stint, very strong carrying the ball forward. Showed the aggression levels he needs to, a real handful.

Delaney - looks at least half a stone lighter and more effective for it. Looked quicker and did provide for the ever solid Smith.

Watkins - class, real quality footwork, pace and final ball. Ooozes that potential. I hope he gets a run in the side. If Leeds want to play a brand of rugby, he has the tools for that job. Bulked up slightly up top.

Sinfield - very focused and again another player who looked a lot sharper with his plays. Distributed very well.

Webb - his returns and time on the ball were very defined. A strong edge to his play.

Cross - strong first stint. Got hold of the ball as soon as he was on the pitch. Rang strongly and put a couple of big hits in.

Ali - played for 70 minutes. So those questioning his fitness may want to take that into account. He seemed to play with a point to prove. Wakie couldn't handle him, numerous offloads and big metres whether out wide on coming down the middle.

Kirke - carved up the middle, which was nice to see. harshly sin-binned for the late challenge. I thought he was more than committed on his man.

McShane - can't fault his effort, but I still feel that he plays to impress more than he plays the percentages. His heart is in the right place.

Overall you can't read too much into it, but if the options with the runners etc continue and the positive approach to playing continues (getting quick PTB's and playing to get the ball out wide), alongside big impact from Cross and Biff to assist JP and Bailes the season could be quite profitable for the dark horses.

1) Webb ablett and smith stood out for me but most played well

2) I thought the score flattered wakey tbh

3) discipline was improved however kirke did spend 10 mins in the bin which I didn't agree with

4) I was happy with cross looked solid and with a bit more time with his team mates will improve and bjb played well on the wing

You can have your opinion without using the words 'mong' and 'spaz'. There is absolutely no need for that.

I object to the use of those words too - does the writer even know what they mean? I have a son with cerebral palsy - spastic hemiplegia - and really hate it when people use the word "spaz" when they really have don't know what they are talking about.

Thought Delaney looked a lot sharper than he did at the end of last season.

I MAY be able to forgive Smith’s hairstyle if he continues to play like he did.

Ablett was great, looks deserved of his sub-14 shirt number.

Cross looked exactly like the description on the tin – no-nonsense, go forward prop. Nothing spectacular, nothing exciting but did a decent job all the same.

BJB looked comfortable on the wing.

Sinny looked solid as always.

Wee Rob looked more like the Robbie of old than the one trick pony we saw so much of last season.

Watkins needs to polish what is obviously a bucket load of potential – still looked a little ‘immature’ at times but definitely needs more first team run outs.

Webb was sharp and didn’t really put a foot wrong.

Burgess was a handful as was Kirke (surprisingly).

All in all a good performance.

Cheers fellas! oooh, one more thing, the official site won't load for me, what was the attendance?

I think it was clear what the 'philosophies' were that McDermott has been talking about all winter!

12,000 combined attendance.

The account is gone.

If the user needs to ask why then they obviously didn't read the AUP before signing up - maybe they will when they re-sign.

Read the AUP.

Sounds a good run out, and plenty of positives

I thought we looked pretty good for a first run out. The youngsters played well and I was impressed with Hood. Was gutted Coady didn't score with his first touch.

Was really impressed with Cross today. Does the hard work and looks the same sort of team player as Peacock in that he was always looking to get on the ball. Was also happy with Burgess, thought he played really well

It sounds like one of the best Pre–season performances that we’ve had in years.