Leeds Academy 18

Bulls Academy 20

The lights may have been turned off midway through their on-field celebrations but the unexpected darkness at Headingley couldn't hide the players' delight as the Bulls clung on to beat Leeds Rhinos 20-18 in the under-21 Academy Grand Final last night.

Twice the Bulls came from behind before stand off Karl Pryce's 58th-minute try gave them breathing space at 20-12.

But the Rhinos surged back into the match through Tommy Gallagher's 73rd-minute try and only some desperate defence ensured the champions' trophy headed back to Odsal.

Skipper Aaron Smith - playing his last match for the club after being released following five years of service - led the pack in an inspired display, picking up the man-of-the-match award to crown a bittersweet night.

Full back Nick Saxton was the other hero on the night, recovering from a bad first-half error to torment the Rhinos with a powerful and composed display at the back.

The Bulls led early after soaking up some threatening Rhinos attacks before capitalising on a first-tackle error to strike after seven minutes. Quick hands created the space for wing Andy Smith to cross for a simple try in the left-hand corner.

Pryce couldn't convert from wide out and when he missed touch with a penalty the Rhinos grabbed their chance to hit back through scrum half John Gallagher's close-range effort, with full back Lee Smith nailing the sideline conversion to put them in front.

Even at the academy level, it was a typical Bulls-Rhinos encounter with the clash of styles making for a fascinating spectacle.

The Rhinos looked lethal from anywhere on the pitch, with the dangerous Lee Smith twice carving through to return kicks deep into Bulls territory. But on each occasion the Bulls' scrambling defence was up to the job and the Rhinos ended with little to show for their efforts.

While the Rhinos were happy to throw the ball around willy-nilly, the Bulls stuck to a rigid game-plan of solid defence, quick drives up the middle and the astute kicking game of Pryce.

Centre Ryan Atkins spent much of the half playing outside Andy Smith and the tactic almost paid dividends when the winger drew the defence and put Atkins clear in the 26th-minute. Only a desperate ankle tap preventing him from scoring but six minutes later the Bulls did retake the lead.

Saxton had been guilty of a bad fumble early in the half but it seemed to spur him on and he showed good strength to power his way over after cutting back in from the right.

Pryce nailed the sideline conversion and the Bulls went to the break well worth their four-point lead.

Eight minutes after the break the Rhinos again hit the front when John Gallagher darted through for his second and Lee Smith drilled the conversion.

But the Bulls hit back with two tries in six minutes to edge clear.

Replacement Justin Hunter showed excellent pace to win the race to a grubber and score before Craig Kopzac broke through and supplied a fine ball for Pryce to cross under the posts for the decisive try.

When Tommy Gallagher burrowed his way over from dummy half on the last tackle the Bulls were left clinging to a two-point lead with seven minutes on the clock. Saxton and Paul Clarke produced fine defensive plays in a chaotic finish as the Rhinos pressed from a succession of scrums deep into injury-time.

Coach Steve McNamara admitted he feared the worst as the Bulls twice coughed up possession in the closing minutes.

"It was unbelievable," said McNamara.

"When things like that start to happen you wonder if it is going to be your day. But I've got to give credit to the players. We were massive underdogs but it just goes to show it is what's inside the shirt that counts.

"Some of the players have been given some bad news recently regarding contracts next year but they really stuck together and achieved something that will live with them for the rest of their lives."

McNamara paid special tribute to Aaron Smith's contribution in what was his last match for the club after being released.

"It is a credit to the type of kid that he is that he went out there and produced one of the games of his life.

"It means a lot to him and to the other players as well.

"I'm really, really excited and pleased for them," said McNamara.