HULL KR coach Craig Sandercock hailed his players as heroes after securing a famous 16-12 win at Leeds.
Sandercock watched with pride as his side kept Leeds out when they had five successive sets and 28 consecutive plays on Rovers' try-line.
The win opens up a six-point lead over Bradford, who are now all-but out of the play-off reckoning.
Beforehand, Sandercock had wanted his side to keep Leeds to three tries or less and they did even better by allowing the Rhinos to cross the whitewash just twice.
The Australian was delighted with his side's all round performance to bring Leeds' four-match winning streak to an abrupt end in front of their own fans.
"I'm really pleased with the win in the circumstances," Sandercock said.
"It wasn't pretty but the closeness of the game kept it absorbing.
"All the kids defended for their lives and the defensive effort holding out set after set was very pleasing.
"Our goal-line defence was superb and if the boys keep defending like that I'll be happy."
Rhys Lovegrove's try just before half-time gave Rovers a 12-6 advantage at half-time.
Michael Dobson added two penalties in the second half to keep the scoreboard ticking over and those penalties were eventually the difference between the two sides.
Lovegrove in particular drew praise from Sandercock for his try-scoring display and for lasting the full 80 minutes.
"Rhys is a strong kid and one of the strongest in the gym," Sandercock said. "Having him back was good and it was pleasing he got through the game.
"There were a couple of players that shouldn't have played, but to put in that performance away from home was special."
