HARLEQUINS celebrated securing the services of their coach Brian McDermott for three more years with a rousing victory which raised doubts over his old club’s ability to complete a successful defence of the Super League title.

McDermott agreed a new contract on Thursday and rewarded the club’s faith in him by masterminding a splendid win which came despite Leeds outscoring his side by five tries to four. Quins were full value for a victory which owed much to seven goals from Henry Paul.

Out-of-sort Leeds, whose lead over second-placed St Helens is now just four points, dropped too much ball to get the win they sought ahead of their home match against their closest challengers at Headingley on Friday night An injury crisis forced Harlequins to call up teenagers Will Sharp and Adam Janowski but the home side’s inexperience was not a factor and they took a deserved 14-12 lead into the interval.

Leeds made the mistake of failing to give Harlequins the respect they deserved with some fussy attacking play. Danny McGuire, the Great Britain stand-off, wasted a number of chances and Leeds were loose in defence, a failing the home side twice took advantage of in the opening period.

Their first try came from smart play down the left by Scott Hill, the Australian stand-off, who fired out a long pass to David Howell for the centre to step around one tackle before sending Sharp over in the corner for his first try in senior rugby. Hill then punished further hesitancy to dive low for a try converted by Paul, who later added a penalty to extend Harlequins’ advantage.

The Rhinos had opened the scoring with a third-minute try by Jamie Peacock. Leeds left no room for doubt in the 34th minute when Scott Donald scored.

Quins extended their lead soon after the resumption with a well-taken try by Chad Randal but Keith Senior hit back. But Paul kept kicking goals and despite two late tries from Rob Burrow and Donald, Quins held their nerve.

Star man: Scott Hill(Harlequins)

Harlequins:C Melling; L Bryan, T Clubb, D Howell, W Sharp; S Hill (capt), D Orr; K Temata, C Randall, D Ward, M Worrincy, H Paul, J Mbu. L McCarthy-Scarsbrook, J Rinaldi, G Haggerty, A Janowski.

Leeds:B Webb; L Smith, C Ablett, K Senior, S Donald; D McGuire, R Burrow; K Leuluai, M Diskin, R Bailey, G Ellis, J peacock, K Sinfield (capt). Replacements: J Tansey, S Worrall, N Scruton, J Jones-Buchanan.

Scorers:

Harlequins:
Tries:Sharp 2, Hill, Randall
Goals:Paul 7

Leeds:
Tries:Peacock, Burrow 2, Donald 2, Senior
Goals:Sinfield 2

Referee:A Klein (London)

Attendance:3,769